Benefit of the Billings Method during perimenopause

Many years ago, perimenopause was not spoken about but in recent times, it has become interesting conversation in many spaces. As we age, our bodies change. Perimenopause is a stage of a woman’s life which indicates that she is approaching menopause—the end of her reproductive life.

It is a life-altering time for women, and the length and the severity of its associated conditions vary considerably between women (The Billings Method by Billings & Westmore, 105).

Generally, perimenopause starts at around 40 years and lasts for a decade. For some women, it can begin earlier. According to the Merck Manual Consumer Version, primary ovarian insufficiency or diminished oestrogen levels can result in premature menopause.

Blood tests are not necessary to confirm menopause, as menopause is diagnosed when a woman has not had a period for one year, although blood tests and gynaecologist/doctor visits are recommended before and after menopause. Menopause can happen naturally, or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries or the womb (hysterectomy), cancer treatments, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown.

The Billings Ovulation Method® can assist the woman in navigating this change of life. Her husband should also be in the know when they discuss the Billings chart and offer her great support during this sometimes-distressing phase. Women using this method can attest to recognising the change in her body through tracking her menstrual cycle, noting particularly her cervical mucus observations and identifying ovulation (the release of an egg or eggs from the ovary) or not.

Premenopausal women often experience atypical cycles, different to what she was accustomed. Some continue to have ovulatory patterns of mucus, meaning she can still become pregnant during this time (menopause-baby or lagniappe).

Universal pre-menopause changes are: irregular cycles, infrequent ovulation (although bleeds continue), the cessation of cervical mucus observation (therefore infertility as the mucus is essential for sperm survival), and premature womb-bleeding.

“In some women, menstrual periods simply stop without warning” (The Billings Method, 108). Women who have learned the Billings Method are advised that it is particularly important to pay attention to the sensations at the vulva as the amount of cervical mucus is significantly diminished during this time.

Some symptoms of perimenopause are hot flushes/flashes, heavy bleeding with clotting, regular urinating, urinary disorder, dry vagina (causing painful sex) and insomnia.

Some women may experience irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety and feeling unloved. Diminished oestrogen levels increase women’s risk of heart attacks, strokes and brittle bones resulting in osteoporosis (The Billings Method and Merck Manual Consumer Version).

In recent times, you may have observed women have a mini fan as an accessory to cope with hot flashes even within air-conditioned spaces. She can also wear cooler clothing, avoid triggers (spicy foods and alcohol), adopt healthy eating habits as metabolism decreases which increases the risk of developing lifestyle diseases especially if there is a family history (Merck Manual Consumer Version). Weight training and regular exercise can improve the quality of life in ladies’ golden years.

Medical management through non-hormonal measures, including counselling are recommended. Doctors might prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve symptoms like hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Women who use the Billings Method will have adequate history with information recorded on their charts that provide for a careful gynaecological examination. This can lead to prompt and expert disorder management. The gynaecologist can find that her chart provides a very useful diagnostic tool. It is important for women to have their pap smears because screening detects cervical cancer.

Although perimenopause is sometimes a stressful stage of a woman’s reproductive life, the Billings chart can provide relief and confidence through her understanding of her record. The Billings Ovulation Method® can assist couples through the challenging time of perimenopause as it fosters understanding, communication, support and love. For Billings Method books or to have a free consultation with BOMA-TT, please contact us.

BOMA-TT Phone/WhatsApp: (868) 384-1659,

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