Consider this: You have been on an oral contraceptive for 20+ years and you are closing in on hitting your 40s and the conversation around perimenopause comes up... We don't have blood tests to determing perimenopause; but we do have symptoms. Oral contraceptives mask many of the symptoms because they take the place of your own natural hormone production. Many women come off OCs in their 40s on the recommendation of their doctor, then start to experience a wrath of perimenopausal symptoms.. Is it truly perimenopause or OC withdrawal? If you come off the OC and in 3-6 months your period doesn't resume but you are having severe brain fog and vasomotor symptoms then yes, you most likely are going through perimenopause. Watch to learn what I'd do next. https://www.drstacysims.com/ As always, learn more on my website or by signing up for one of my courses or microlearnings. #DrStacySims #BirthControl #WomenAreNotSmallMen #Menopause #MenopauseTips #Perimenopause #WomensHealth