For many women, their period is nothing more than a monthly blip on the calendar. But for those who experience prolonged, painful periods or heavy, even incapacitating bleeding, their period can be more than just a nuisance — it can impact their overall quality of life. For these people, skipping their period may be a welcome option.
Often called menstrual manipulation or suppression, skipping your period is accomplished by changing the way you take birth control. Instead of taking 21 days of active oral contraceptive pills followed by seven days of inactive pills, the active pills are taken continuously.
Suppression can be achieved by using any type of birth control pill or with an oral contraceptive made specifically for this purpose. Other birth control methods, such as the vaginal ring, patch or injections, can also be used in a way that manipulates the cycle.
While period suppression is generally considered as safe as regular hormonal birth control, the long-term effects are not yet known. The FDA approval for one type of menstrual suppression pill was granted after one year, so we’re not yet sure what might happen after five, ten or more years. Researchers are studying the effects on bone density, fertility, and the risk for blood clots, strokes and breast cancer. If you are considering menstrual suppression, do so only under the supervision of a physician and be sure to see her or him regularly.
Some women experience breakthrough bleeding between periods shortly after beginning an extended cycle, which usually decreases over time. Menstrual suppression is not recommended for people who could have potential problems with birth control pills. This includes people who smoke or have high blood pressure, especially those older than 35.
As with all oral contraceptives, if you miss a pill, take a medication that may interfere with its effectiveness, or have diarrhea or vomiting, use backup contraception to avoid becoming pregnant. Because you will only have a period every two or three months, if you have symptoms such as morning sickness, breast tenderness or exhaustion, talk to your doctor at Riverview Health about the possibility of pregnancy.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Source: WomensHealth.gov, nwhn.org
