As a female, Peri-menopause is the ‘little unknown about’ topic that sits somewhere between our childbearing years and the end of our reproductive life. We can sail through this phase without really realising that we are fast approaching menopause, to suffering from the debilitating effects of insomnia, weight gain, mood swings, anxiety, scanty to heavy and irregular bleeding, loss of libido to the reappearance of acne - aggghhhh, not so great right?
Typically peri-menopause arrives somewhere between the age of 40-48.. and even as young as 35. Symptoms can occur up to 10 years before menopause (the complete cessation of menstrual periods) or a few years prior - each and every individual experiences their own journey.
What I think we tend to not pay too much attention to… or rather, not consider, is that although we are not yet infertile, we are not particularly fertile anymore either… we are somewhere in-between. The ovarian reserve declines with advancing age. There is still a chance of conception occurring, however, with statistics and rates showing too much of a variance, I’ve chosen to not include here to avoid confusion.
So, as our age advances - so do our health risks when continuing to take the oral contraceptive pill (particularly over the age of 40). Cardiovascular health/risks are at the top of the list, to an increased risk of breast cancer (as per research/studies). With these risks.. what are our contraceptive options?
The copper IUD and Mirena IUD are 2 very popular options - particularly (not all) in females who have completed their family, are in long-term relationships and like these hassle-free long lasting contraceptive devices. But what if you can no longer take the OCP (combined or mini-pill), find condoms irritating, suffer heavy bleeding with the copper IUD, feel the hormonal effects of the Mirena IUD or hormonal implants such as Jadelle? How many more options are there to consider?
As mentioned, our fertility declines fairly rapidly as we age - especially over the age of 40. When we are younger we usually choose an OCP to prevent pregnancy and/or help with irregular/heavy menstrual bleeding and help clear acne. Out of those, the MAIN reason for seeking the OCP is to PREVENT pregnancy during our fertile years. If we understand that our fertility declines and we have a very, very, small chance of conception each cycle are we more likely to take risks by having unprotected intercourse?
In my experience, the answer is NO!
Clients still express their fear of falling pregnant with their 2 top fears: experiencing a difficult pregnancy & having birth complications to having a premature baby with complicated health needs. Therefore, with these in mind, those in their early to mid forties tend to be extremely careful about avoiding conception.
So here is what is on offer to help you through this time - no gimmicks, hormones or weird stuff. Just good old human physiology! By using the Sympto-thermal method you are able to establish and track when you are fertile and when you aren’t. But how if your periods are irregular or your hormones are all over the place? Don’t you need a regular, monthly cycle to be able to use natural fertility to avoid conception?
NO YOU DON’T - Here is how it works:
Your body produces signs of fertility which we are able to recognise via our basal body temperature, our cervical mucus and changes in our cervix. When taught by an accredited NFNZ Fertility educator, you are able to learn and understand the times that you are either fertile or infertile to avoid conception. Our teaching has been adapted to understand and recognise the changes in hormones as we age and to make charting your fertility a very real possibility. If you are already a seasoned charter - great! If not, you can still learn and make it work for you. You can still even carry on using a fertility/period app (*note of caution - never rely on an app to avoid pregnancy as it is simply ‘guessing’ your fertile window - an app cannot distinguish when you are about to or have ovulated).
In a nutshell……You learn about your OWN Basic Infertile Pattern (BIP). This is an interpretation of your cervical mucus. There are 2 patterns, either dryness or unchanging mucus and sensation. Once you learn your own BIP - typically within 3 weeks of charting, a set of ‘rules’ are followed to avoid conception. While it seems simple…. it isn’t UNLESS you are taught by an educator who understands the Sympto-thermal method in it’s entirety and has undertaken additional training in peri-menopause. There are certain factors to consider such as bleeding or spotting and basal body temperature differences. Our teaching adapts as your reproductive cycle changes - you do not have to do away with using natural fertility as your chosen method of contraception. Your educator works with you to ensure that you understand the method and continues to check in with you/be available for queries as your body is going through changes. All NFNZ Accredited educators are able to write to/liaise with your GP/Specialist if required.
Want to learn more? Would you like to use this method for yourself? Head over to my website to learn more: https://www.bespokebirths.co.nz/natural-fertility
Book/Website Recommendations:
This Changes Everything - Niki Bezzant
Hormone Repair Manual - Lara Briden
Peri-menopause Power - Maisie Hill
The Peri-menopause Solution - Emma Bardwell