What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is also known as the menopause transition. Perimenopause begins when the ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen hormone and usually starts in your 40s, but is individual and can occur earlier or later.
Can I use Natural Cycles if I am perimenopausal?
As a contraceptive, Natural Cycles may be less suitable for you if you have irregular menstrual cycles (i.e., cycles with length less than 21 days or greater than 35 days) and fluctuating temperatures as predicting fertility is more difficult in these circumstances. Natural Cycles' effectiveness as a contraceptive is not affected by irregular cycles, but you will experience an increased number of red days, which can reduce your satisfaction with Natural Cycles.
Will I ovulate?
During perimenopause, you can still ovulate, so there is a chance that you can become pregnant. If you are using Natural Cycles to prevent pregnancy, you need to use additional protection (such as condoms) during red days.
How many red days will I have?
How many red days you will have is very individual. The app will be more likely to determine you might be fertile and give a red day if you have fluctuating temperatures and irregular cycles. Natural Cycles may not be the ideal contraception for you as you will receive many red days, during which you'll need to use a condom to prevent pregnancy effectively.
Can I trust my green days?
Yes, you can trust the green days that you are given. Daily fertility is shown as red or green in the Today -view. Please be aware that the app predictions can change based on new data that you add, so you should check your Daily Status every day. The app will give you green days once it can confirm that you are not at risk of pregnancy. This is done by either confirming that you have ovulated, or that you will not ovulate in the coming five days (sperm survival). You can read more about how basal body temperature changes throughout the cycle here.
Does it affect my temperature?
Continue to measure first thing in the morning as usual. If you feel unusually warm when you wake up or feel you have slept differently, use the "Exclude temperature" function.