bc pills and menopause

I am 52 and just going off birth control pills under the assumption that I've probably gone through menopause by now. I'm fit, an endurance cyclist, and not overweight, although right now I'm dropping weight (stepped up the exercise and clamped down on the eating but naturally sometimes I drop weight). I also eat soy because I'm lactose intolerant (think soymilk on cereal) and eat Japanese foods as part of my regular diet. The only perimenopause symptom I've had is that this past 6 months, I seem to be sweating more at night sometimes -- although I had gastritis, which accounted for some of it, and I've always sweated off and on at night -- so I'm not sure these are night sweats. Has anyone else experienced this transition from birth control pills to the menopause reveal and did you have problems? My physician tells me I might experience some perimenopause for a while after I stop taking the pills. Actually, I'm looking forward to stopping taking the pills, as although I have no problems on them (or off really), I drop a couple of pounds when I go off (my body holds about 2 pounds of water on the pill). I'm especially interested if you are Asian, as I'm half. My Asian mother had no menopause symptoms whatever. I'm hoping the Japanese half wins out here.

Once you're off the bc pills, ask your doctor if you can get a blood test to measure your hormone levels. That's what I did, and discovered I was in full menopause. My symptoms weren't too bad, at least compared to other women I know; and I did not want to go on HRT. I took Remifemin, an herbal supplement (black cohosh) it seemed to help keep things under control.

You may be lucky and be like your mom with no symptoms. If you do have them, I hope they're like mine - mild hot flashes (more like a warm glow :p ) The only thing that really bothered me were what I called adrenaline surges. Those seemed to taper off once I started the Remifemin.

I am 49, 100% Canadian-born Chinese (CBC-which is also our national tv/radio broadcasting network). I have never taken birth control pills ..a choice of contraceptive and don't plan to. I have been cycling since I was 32.

At this time, I believe I am in perimenopause and have been for past 8-12 months. It's been very gradual., calm....but my periods are simply shorter and above all, less intense in time length. I have a warm face flush early in the morning 1-2 times during my period. That's all. No sweats. And certainly no behaviour that I would attribute to hormonal reasons,.it's more my natural temperment. :D

My childhood and teenage diet was 80% Chinese. I didn't consume much sugar until last 10 years. When I was young I drank 1-2 glasses milk daily. Now it's restricted to my oatmeal and tea. I think do have abit of lactose intolerance. Yes, I do eat tofu...and tofu cheese several times monthly. Special occasions like this Easter goat cheese, etc. :) By the way, he eats the tofu varieties along with me.

In the past I have gone through times of no period and always envied women who could predict the start time of their period. Probably because of my low weight in the past 93-98 lbs. in past 20 years. But no history of pain, cramping.

I've never asked my mother what her experience was.. I guess I'll have to cobble together a sentence on menopause in Chinese. I did see her occaisonally with a flushed face...but could be other reasons. She took bc pills.

I have not yet asked my sisters their experiences. They are close to me in age.

I'm only hoping that genes (and type of long-term diet) plus exercise, will help me here for the next phase. I am not concerned.

Have you introduced yourself to the forum about your cycling history/passion? I noticed you have posted for lst time...

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Originally Posted by bikesanddogs

I am 52 and just going off birth control pills under the assumption that I've probably gone through menopause by now.

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I would not be too quick to assume you have gone through menopause completely yet. Unless you are prepared to take the risk of getting pregnant, you should still use something until your hormone levels have been checked and you know for sure.
I am almost 54 and a recent blood test indicated I have not even started menopause yet. Though there are average norms, everyone is still different. It's good to know for sure before you depend on it.

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

I would not be too quick to assume you have gone through menopause completely yet. Unless you are prepared to take the risk of getting pregnant, you should still use something until your hormone levels have been checked and you know for sure.

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This was my first thought too. At 28 I have no menopause advice to give, but I think Lisa has made a good point.

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Originally Posted by snapdragen

The only thing that really bothered me were what I called adrenaline surges. Those seemed to taper off once I started the Remifemin.

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I'm glad your experience was mild. What are these adrenaline surges like? I don't think I've seen much about them. Did they interfere with your cycling or training? Diminish your performance?

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

I would not be too quick to assume you have gone through menopause completely yet.

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My mother went through menopause at 50, and they say the best gauge of when you'll go through menopause is your mother's experience. That's what the doctor and I are basing this on (I do not have any sisters). The doctor mentioned a pregnancy risk, although as I have NEVER been pregnant, the likelihood is pretty small. Also I would most likely miscarry and I am not against abortion. I will probably use another method, but for personal reasons I'd rather not get into, sex is a rarity, and I'd have to have REALLY bad luck to get preggers.

What I'm more concerned about is how symptoms would affect my cycling and training. Although I don't have bad PMS (never have, on or off the pill), I do have digestive upset and some fatigue just before my period, which slows me down on the bike. Hoping to be rid of this in menopause, and hoping no other little problems complicate the biking. Most of the menopause books are directed to women who weren't on the pill -- the pill stops most of the perimenopause effects -- so these books are useless and don't address the question of how menopause affects performance.

I went through menopause almost 6 years ago; right about the time I was going from a casual cyclist to a more intense one. I never noticed any effects on my training. I had hot flashes, but never while riding. They mostly were at work, when I was in a hot environment, or at night, when sleeping.
I just took a big drink of cool water to stop them.
The one thing it did compromise was my comfort on the saddle. After using the same one for a couple of years, the vaginal dryness started bothering me. I got a new saddle and went to my doctor who prescribed an E-string, which emits a miniscule dose of estrogen locally, only. You wear it for 3 months and then get a new one. It takes a few months for it to work, but it really works!
You might feel more tired and need a longer recovery time than previously, but that is more a function of aging than menopause.

Well, ...one day I plan to ask my sisters of their experiences. Might have to wait awhile...I have 4 other sisters. I am the oldest.

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Originally Posted by shootingstar

Well, ...one day I plan to ask my sisters of their experiences. Might have to wait awhile...I have 4 other sisters. I am the oldest.

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Ha ha, I'm in the same boat with two younger sisters. Our mom had a hysterectomy in her mid-30s. I'm in uncharted territory here :cool:

southern european blood here. menopause no big deal (i'm 56 and have been DONE for 2 years now) . There are some minor issues dealing with tissue thinning, but from what you're saying, it shouldn't bother you at all.
As your body goes from the artificial hormone levels induced by the BC pills to its own normal level (there should be some bouncing up and down, as your body notices all those hormones are gone) you will probably have some hot flashes and perhaps some other symptoms. But it doesn't sound like you're going to have much of a problem, since I believe a good percentage of it is just attitude and yours is good!

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Originally Posted by shootingstar

Well, ...one day I plan to ask my sisters of their experiences. Might have to wait awhile...I have 4 other sisters. I am the oldest.

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My older sister is so p!ssed - I'm over and done with it, and she's still having regular periods. Told her she must take after dad's side of the family. :p