Many women experience great symptomatic relief from low-dose birth control pills. Smokers and women with underlying cardiovascular or liver disease may not use the pill. However, many healthy women in their 40s use the pill successfully. Diminished libido is a common issue for perimenopausal women. These women usually report that sex is fine once it gets under way, but that motivation to initiate is lacking.
Counseling can help as well.
No knowledge exists of the long-term effects of either. Alternative treatments may help. I encourage group discussions, biofeedback and therapy of any kind that might help a person adjust to transitions in health. All rights reserved. Before you submit a question, please keep in mind that our experts receive hu ndreds of queries every day, so yours may not be answered directly.