Article by Dr Marilyn Glenville
Continuing our Menopause Monday series, Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritonist, who specialises in women’s health and author of Natural Solutions to Menopause
Monica: Can I get pregnant during the perimenopause?
The answer is definetely yes and if you don’t want to get pregnant then you must take precautions. The difficulty is that during this perimenopause stage your periods are likely to be irregular. For instance, you could have missed three cyckles and then on the fourth cycle you ovulate two weeks before the period would be due. You could then become pregnant on that cycle and not even realise it because you would think that you are just missing another cycle.
Also, to be clear, a blood test that shows high levels of FSH does not mean that you don’t need contraception. Your levels are going to fluctuate widely in the perimenopause so although high levels mean you may be menopausal, and your fertility may be lower than before, it does not mean you cannot get pregnant.
You will need any contraception if you are under the age of 50 and have not had any periods for two years, and you only need one year clear if you are over 50.
Add a comment