Contraception during perimenopause: HRT, the pill and the Mirena coil | Dr Louise Newson Podcast

In this episode, Dr Louise is joined by Dr Clair Crockett, a GP and menopause specialist at Newson Health. Dr Clair has completed diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Sexual and Reproductive Health, and fits coils and implants.
Here, she discusses some of the challenges for perimenopausal and menopausal women when it comes to contraception, and the importance of individualisation. She gives an insight into the hormones used in the contraceptive pill and HRT and shares how the Mirena coil can be transformative for some women.
Finally, Dr Clair suggests three things to consider about contraception:
1. Spend some time gathering information, talking to other women about their experiences with contraception and considering what your priorities are. Your healthcare professional can also help you make your decision.
2. Remember that side effects of contraception are quite unusual but that if something doesn’t work for you, you can change your mind. It’s OK to take time to find the best contraception for you.
3. Some forms of contraception may mask perimenopausal symptoms so if you’re not sure if this is happening to you, track your symptoms and how you are feeling so you can get guidance from your healthcare professional.

[@monicaungureanu8245]

Lots of useful information, thank you!

[@rmfdbn]

This week my GP told me I had to stop HRT to have a Mirena- so I hope this video helps me understand my options more.

[@sookibeulah9331]

My GP offered me a Minera coil when I STARTED HRT as an option alongside the oestrogen gel. It was to either have the Minera coil or to take the progesterone pills.

[@tommathys2]

Same. I live in Belgium and I don’t know how many times I have been pushed to get a coil by my gynaecologist - it is like the magical answers to all the problems. I had it once Many years ago and after 6 months asked to take it out. My friend had to make a scandal to force her gynaecologist to take it out. My doctor told me that it actually costs 30 euros and to place it is actually almost 300 to be payed by a patient . Of course you have to pay for skill and experience yet it seams like a money maker. Plus why would you want “a little plastic thing” attached to your uterus???

[@nicolasmith365]

Thanks for the very informative video. I am in the US and will be 47 this year. I don’t think I am experiencing any peri-menopausal symptoms yet. I have had a Paragard (copper IUD) for the last ten years, which will be removed later this year. I’m confused about what to do next in terms of contraception. Would it be beneficial to have the Paragard replaced with a Mirena in preparation for peri-menopause? Thank you!

[@valerie4912]

I’ve been wondering if the iud affects weight and sex drive.

[@janemasini2810]

I've always suffered from bad PMS, I was fine on the microgynon 30, put on the mireena coil its misplaced, now the dr wants to put me on the utrogestan, I'm very nervous taking this as I heard bad things about it❤

[@rachelche]

utrogestan was absolutely so so bad for me it made me feel the worst depression of my life and extremely tired and so many horrible digestive upset pain i got rashes up both legs and massive acne over face so find these bias views saying natural is better is so not true its dangerous to not give full picture it it find for allot of people but for a few like me it was so so terrible just be aware and come off it if you get such bad symptoms

[@nicolemerz1731]

🙏

[@ilsemarckx5513]

I have been experiencing perimenopause symptoms such as sweating an anxiety attacks at night while on the combination pill. When explaining this to my GP she said “ you can’t have any (peri)menopausal symptoms when on the pill. Is this correct? I’m 52.

[@jessethepersiankitty2377]

Doctors have very little training on menopause and what we go through. Sadly . I had such horrible symptoms I was suicidle and just in a very dark place. I found a great Naturapath who treated my menopause symptoms as well as thyroid support. Within about two months I feel like my old self again. I still have hot flashes but I'm looking at hrt for my remaining symptoms.

[@tommathys2]

Exactly, thyroid issues are often mistaken for perimenopause, I had both