Your doctor can measure your FSH or follicle stimulating hormone via a blood test to tell if you are in menopause don't rely on over the counter test kits as birth control pills can mask these tests.

Are you rejoicing in the signs that your body is getting ready to say 'goodbye' to your period and you are looking forward to throwing out your birth control. Using a Low Dose Birth Control Pill Many doctors do not advise staying on hormonal methods such as the patch, injection and ring during perimenopause but often recommend that you change over to a low dose birth control pill such as Alesse or similar that contains only 20mcg of estrogen. Using a low dose birth control pill will, in most cases, keep your periods regular while still giving you pregnancy protection. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security if you are still getting your period, you can still get pregnant.

When you stop menstruating you are not officially 'menopausal' until 12 18 months later so you still need to continue with a method of birth control during your 'perimenopausal' period, which can last 3 5years.