What contraceptive measures for women in their 40s and 50s?
Friedman, S.
JAMA 230(5): 759
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-7484 PMID: 12306451 Document Number: 70481
A question regarding contraceptive measures for women in their 40s and 50s is answered. Amenorrhea of 6-12 months' duration in a 50-year-old woman almost always indicates menopause. The diagnosis can be confirmed if there are accompanying hot flashes or through cytological study of vaginal mucosa. Patients in their 40s taking oral contraceptives (OCs) should continue them as long as they are needed. A t age 50 they may be stopped to determine if menopause has started. During this time other means of contraception should be used. OCs may be continued if menstruation occurs although pregnancy after the age of 50 is rare, even in apparently ovulating women. If the woman remains amenorrheic after stopping OCs, menopause may be presumed.