After six months without a period, you assume menopause has arrived and stop family planning.

Then the pregnancy test shows two lines.

How can that happen?

During perimenopause, your periods may disappear for several months and then return. Your ovaries can still release an egg during this time.

Ovulation happens before menstruation. This means pregnancy can occur before you ever see another period.

If your periods stopped naturally, the general guidance is:

If you are under 50, continue contraception for two years after your last period.

If you are 50 or older, continue for one year after your last period.

By age 55, contraception can usually be stopped because natural pregnancy is exceptionally rare.

These rules are harder to apply when you use hormonal contraception. The pill, injection, implant or hormonal IUD may change or completely stop your bleeding. The absence of a period does not necessarily confirm menopause.

And remember, hormone replacement therapy can relieve menopause symptoms, but it does not prevent pregnancy.

Before stopping family planning, speak with a clinician about your age, the method you use and when your natural periods stopped.

One final warning: bleeding that starts after 12 months without a natural period should be assessed.

Save this before assuming that no period automatically means no pregnancy.

#WomensHealth
#HealthyLivingWithDrKetch