How Hormonal Birth Control and HRT Differ
Both HRT and hormonal birth control introduce hormones into the body. HRT replenishes hormones like estrogen and progesterone that decline during the menopause transition. HRT helps manage hormonal symptoms, but does not prevent pregnancy. Hormonal birth control uses hormones for pregnancy prevention but offers little-to-no relief for menopause symptoms.
Using HRT with Progesterone Birth Control
Since HRT treatment plans often include progesterone, this can raise questions for patients using progesterone birth control. The progestins in birth control are very different from the progesterone used in Winona's HRT. Patients often find their menopause symptoms improve from the additional bioidentical progesterone Winona prescribes.
Using HRT with an Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are the second most popular form of birth control after birth control pills. There are no contraindications to using an IUD alongside HRT. Both can be used at the same time.
Starting HRT on Birth Control
During the Winona onboarding process, you’ll be asked to indicate whether or not you’re taking birth control and if so, which kind. While it’s generally safe to take HRT alongside birth control, it’s important for your doctor to have accurate information about your specific medications to determine which prescriptions may or may not be appropriate for you.
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