CarolC, Nova, was the one who came out in the 60's with the first widespread birth control regimen(Dial a Pack). Even though it was passed by the FDA, the results are not in, as to the results of women taking 'the pill' for generations, and as to menopause, and/or post menopausal symptoms..much the same as HRT(hormone replacement therapy), and or, what happens when women stop taking 'the pill' suddenly, on the effects, later in life. The results just are not in. Remember, in fact, you are artificially altering you bio-system, with a synthetic chemical. As for HRT, after taking them for 3-5 years, the risk of certain cancers is multiplied, several times..and even higher when stopped abruptly, after being on them. Although advertised as being safe'..a more realistic claim would be 'safe....so far...maybe'