​Perimenopause tracking: What cycle data can (and can’t) do for family planning

Nothing in this article is or should be construed as medical advice; for any medical questions, consult your healthcare professional. 

As you age, you may find symptoms of perimenopause popping up. But just because you’re entering a season of significant change for your body doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about family planning.  

Your period may become more irregular, but that doesn’t mean that you’re infertile. And if you’re confident you’re done having children, you’ll want to take precautions around preventing pregnancy, even during perimenopause. Let’s dive into how cycle tracking relates to family planning during the perimenopause years. 

What’s happening to your ​​menstrual cycles during perimenopause?  

Perimenopause is your body’s way of signaling that menopause is on the horizon. Potentially starting in your 30s and 40s, the estrogen produced by your ovaries starts to fluctuate, causing changes in your ​​period.¹ Your menstrual cycle might become shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, or you might skip periods ​​altogether.¹ 

Many assume that because their cycles are irregular, they can’t get pregnant and don’t have to worry about birth control. So if you’re wondering if you can get pregnant during perimenopause, the answer is yes! If you don’t want more children, The Menopause Society recommends using a form of birth control until menopause is confirmed by your healthcare professional and it’s been one year since your final ​​period.² 

Your healthcare professional can recommend a contraception method that fits your symptoms and needs, but there may be circumstances where you want or prefer to try ​​natural family planning during perimenopause. Tracking your data can also help you better understand what stage of menopause your body is experiencing. The Clearblue® Menopause Stage Indicator can provide an indication of your likely menopause stage, which your healthcare professional can confirm. 

How ​​perimenopause cycle changes affect your tracking data 

Along with differences in your menstrual cycle, perimenopause may bring new or unexpected changes to your body, including changes to signs typically used to note fertility. Those might include:

• Body temperature patterns: Basal body temperature (BBT) is the temperature of your body at rest and is one variable often used in natural family planning. For most women, the body’s BBT increases slightly after ovulation (0.5° F–1° F) and remains high until the end of the ​​menstrual cycle.³ But during perimenopause, hot flashes can impact your temperature and make your BBT harder to track.
• Cervical mucus: Just before ovulation, the amount of mucus created by your cervix notably increases, and the mucus is thin and ​​slippery.³ Typically to prevent pregnancy, you would avoid having sex or use another form of contraception when you notice egg-white-like mucus. While you’re in your perimenopause stage, a decrease in estrogen may cause vaginal secretions to ​​diminish², which makes cervical mucus a less reliable signal of fertility.  
• Other period symptoms: Mood swings, headaches, changes in sleep patterns or fatigue might have once tipped you off to an incoming period, but are also common symptoms of perimenopause.​​^1,2  

With all of these ​​perimenopause cycle changes, it’s no wonder many women feel frustrated and out of control of their body. Let’s go over some common questions about ​​perimenopause tracking and fertility. 

Common questions about ​​natural family planning during perimenopause 

C​​an you still get pregnant in perimenopause? 

Yes! The amount of estrogen produced by your ovaries can begin to fluctuate as early as your ​​30s.¹ Perimenopause symptoms can last for two to eight ​​years⁴, and it’s a different experience for everyone. An irregular period doesn’t prevent pregnancy.   

​Do estrogen levels drop in perimenopause? 

Yes. During the transition to menopause, your body’s production of estrogen and progesterone declines ​​significantly.⁴ The fluctuation of these hormones will likely be the cause of any perimenopause symptoms you experience.  

​What contraception is best for perimenopause? 

As we mentioned above, The Menopause Society recommends using a form of birth control until menopause is confirmed by your healthcare professional and it’s been one year since your final period.²  

You may want to consider other methods of contraception such as condoms, birth control pills or intrauterine devices.  

Hormone therapy is a common treatment for easing perimenopause ​​symptoms¹, and can mean taking estrogen, progestin or a combination of the two, sometimes called “combined hormone therapy.” If you’re still having periods — however irregular — continuous-combined hormone contraceptives (such as an oral pill, patch or ring) are often used to prevent pregnancy and lessen symptoms during ​​perimenopause.² Your healthcare professional can help you discern which methods are right for your lifestyle and body. 

Does perimenopause mean I can’t use cycle tracking to prevent pregnancy?

This is a personal decision that is your choice. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that anyone approaching menopause receives extra training to ensure they’re using cycle tracking​​ correctly.³ Your doctor may be able to advise you, or some practices offer in-person or online fertility tracking training. 

How to best navigate ​​perimenopause tracking 

Perimenopause can be a time of confusion and frustration. It’s also an opportunity for you to embrace change and give your body grace as it carries you through another life stage.  

If it helps you feel more confident and in control, track your symptoms and cycles in a journal — digitally or on paper. Exercise caution in using fertility tracking as your sole form of birth control, but don’t be afraid to advocate for how you want to handle your reproductive health during this time. If you think you might be entering perimenopause, the Clearblue® Menopause Stage Indicator is a good place to start, followed by a consultation with a trusted healthcare professional.  

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• Top questions about menopause to ask your healthcare professional