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Stopped birth control bleeding: The request could not be satisfied

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What Does Bleeding After Stopping Birth Control Mean

Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team. Updated on January 4th, 2021

You just stopped taking birth control and you noticed some blood when you wipe after going pee. If this blood is not accompanied by additional symptoms, it is likely just a harmless withdrawal bleed. With that said, noticing a sudden change in your body is scary! 

Thankfully, we have some tips to help ease your nerves. The following FAQ will include everything you need to know about withdrawal bleeding that occurs after stopping birth control.

What is withdrawal bleeding? 

Withdrawal bleeding occurs when there is a change in hormones. This entails a release of painless blood that is lighter and shorter than a normal period. 

How long does withdrawal bleeding last?

While duration may vary for each individual, withdrawal bleeding typically lasts for a few days. If you notice blood for more than one week, consult a doctor. 

Why does withdrawal bleeding occur?

When an individual takes a break from hormonal birth control (i.e. if their pill pack contains a week of placebo pills), they will bleed as a result of the drop in hormones. This drop triggers a release of blood and mucus from the lining of the uterus out through the vagina. 

How does withdrawal bleeding differ from a period?

Both periods and withdrawal bleeding lead to shedding of the uterine lining. However, withdrawal bleeding tends to be less heavy because the synthetic hormones in birth control prevent the lining from building up as much. Additionally, an egg is only released during a normal period (not during a withdrawal bleed). 

Does withdrawal bleeding count as period?

Withdrawal bleeding does not count as a period because an egg is not released. It may take a while for your cycle to normalize after you stop taking birth control. 

What types of birth control lead to withdrawal bleeding?

The only types of birth control that may cause withdrawal bleeding are the pill, the patch, and the ring. These methods include fixed breaks, which ultimately leads to a drop in hormones and, thus, a withdrawal bleed.

When does withdrawal bleeding occur?

Withdrawal bleeding should occur about three days after you stop taking birth control (i.e. after you miss three pills). While it may take a few days to show up, you should consult a doctor if you do not experience a bleed within three weeks of when it is expected. If you are sexually active, a lack of withdrawal bleeding could be a sign of pregnancy. 

Can you prevent withdrawal bleeding?

The only way to prevent withdrawal bleeding is by taking your birth control continuously. This can be done safely with the pill – simply skip the week of placebo pills or request a prescription that only contains active pills. 

Is withdrawal bleeding necessary?

Withdrawal bleeding does not provide any major health benefits, so skipping it does not pose a significant risk. However, some women prefer to experience a monthly bleed while taking birth control, as it can serve as reassurance that they are not pregnant.  

Does withdrawal bleeding mean you are not pregnant?

A withdrawal bleed can serve as a sign that you are not pregnant. Furthermore, if you do not bleed when you typically do, you should take a pregnancy test. 

Can you have sex while experiencing a withdrawal bleed?

You can have sex during a withdrawal bleed if you and your partner feel comfortable doing so. If you take your birth control as it is prescribed (i.e. taking it every day around the same time), you should still be protected from pregnancy when withdrawal bleeding occurs. However, no form of contraception is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, so using an additional method will provide additional security. Barrier methods in particular (i.e. condoms) will also protect both partners from the spread of STIs. 

How do you stop taking birth control pills?

how do you stop taking birth control? just cold- turkey?

There’s no “right way” to go off birth control — you can stop taking your pills in the middle of the pack, or finish the pack you’re on without starting a new one. Medically, there’s no difference, although finishing your current pill pack means you’ll know when you’re going to get your period, whereas stopping in the middle will make it harder to predict when you’ll get your period. If it’s important to you to know when your period is coming, it might make more sense to finish the pack. If you’re using the ring or the patch, it’s the same thing – you can stop whenever you want, but when you time it will affect when your next period happens.

After you stop taking birth control, your body and menstrual cycle will need some time to adjust, just like they did when you started the pill. You might notice some spotting or bleeding between your periods, and your periods may be irregular for a few months. But this is temporary, and your cycle will return to how it was before you started your birth control pretty quickly.

Remember that as soon as you stop your birth control, you’re not protected from pregnancy anymore. So if you’re planning to stop taking the pill (or patch or ring) and keep having vaginal sex, but you don’t want to get pregnant, you’ll need to use another birth control method.

If you’re switching to a new birth control method, you may need to overlap methods or use a backup method, like a condom, for up to a week. Your doctor or nurse can tell you how long you need to do this for, depending on which method you’re switching from and to.

Tags:

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10 things that happened when I went off the pill

As a 14-year-old in Los Gatos, California, going on the birth control pill was a
no-brainer. I was in my first serious relationship and it seemed like all my
peers were going on it. Some to regulate outrageously heavy periods, some for
acne and others because they were having sex, plain and simple.

Sure, there might have been an underlying fear of teenage pregnancy coming down
from our parents and pediatricians. But who could blame them? This was the ‘00s
(or the “noughties?”). The decade that brought us shows like “Teen Mom” and “16
and Pregnant.” What a hell of a time to hit puberty.

It was also a high time for prescription drug use in minors and a general
pathologization of puberty. Almost everyone I knew had a prescription for
something in grade school. Think birth control, Adderall, Accutane… whatever it
took to avoid being an awkward, scatterbrained adolescent.

When I say going on birth control was a “no-brainer,” I mean it. There wasn’t a
lot of thought involved. There was no debate or grand discussion. No moral
dilemma whatsoever. Choosing to go on birth control was a non-event. I don’t
remember if it was my own choice or if my mom suggested it. I might have asked
for it to “regulate my cycle,” but it was definitely for birth control. My
period was light and relatively painless before going on the pill.

Thinking back, I don’t even remember getting my first pack. I don’t remember my
doctor’s name or what she looked like. I don’t remember feeling any different on
the pill.

I do remember failing to take it for days at a time, doubling doses and
skipping periods altogether by starting a new pack early (my doctor said it was
totally safe to do so, and I took full advantage).

Freshman year of high school. The year I went on the pill.

I was on the pill throughout high school and college with no problems. I was
healthy and didn’t get pregnant. Achievement unlocked.

Ten years later. 24 years old. Still on the pill. But, no longer in the U.S.

I moved to Berlin to work for Clue in May 2015
(#bestjobever #downloaditnow #yesimonthemarketingteam) and with that, I started
learning a lot about my own reproductive system.

I had no idea that I wasn’t even
ovulating
on the pill. I had no idea that my period was withdrawal
bleeding and not a real
period at all. I had no idea how short the fertile
window
is for people not taking hormonal birth control (up to 7 days depending on sperm
strength, by the way). I had a vague understanding of ovulation from high school
biology class, but if you asked me what it was, I probably would have froze.

I didn’t have to think about my reproductive system on the pill. I knew when
my periods were coming, they didn’t faze me and I could even plan when to have
them.

The health risks of the pill never reallllly crossed my mind.

Except when all those legal ads started airing on
TV about pill-induced blood clots,
heart attacks and strokes. Those were pretty alarming because at any given point
I was on Yaz, Yasmin AND Ocella. And Zarah. And maybe Nikki. This is starting
to sound like a Petey Pablo
song.

Working at Clue naturally coincided with more tracking and awareness of my own
cycle. I started to wonder:

Is it okay that I’ve been taking artificial hormones for over ten years?

What would happen to my body if I went off the pill?

What about my emotional stability?

I started to wonder if I should go off the pill, but I was concerned about the
drop in estrogen levels and what that would mean for my mind and body.

When I was 22, my doctor recommended swapping my prescription with a lower dose
pill. She said the pill I was on could cause blood clots. Like a good patient,
or any regular person who doesn’t want blood clots, I made the switch right
away.

But the lower hormone dose made me go totally berserk. My mood was all over the
place, so I re-upped my dosage to restore a level head.

This little snafu didn’t exactly motivate me to lower my dose again, let alone
go off the pill, but I was still curious to see what would happen if I quit cold
turkey.

After three months in Berlin, my CVS prescription was dwindling, so it felt like
the opportune moment. I stopped the daily pill popping in July 2015 and started
to track what happened.

How fun! Well, not really. After three months off the pill, I felt like an ogre.
It was bad. I experienced:

My periods were excruciating and my cycles were short. I was getting my period
nearly every two weeks. I was in so much pain that some days I had to miss work
(like many other women around the
world).

Oh, and declining self-confidence DOES NOT pair well with increased sex
drive.

My Clue calendar. Two periods per month.

Everyone told me it would take a while for my body to adjust, so I rationed for
a few shitty months. But it didn’t get better. Not even after six months. I felt
disconnected from my body.

And this is when shit hit the fan. The first days of each period were
debilitating. I was going through tampons every 30 minutes. Before and during my
period I would cry for no reason. I never woke rested. I was sleeping in late
and had no energy (for someone who’s been a spastically energetic morning bird
my whole life, this was telling). Even when I wasn’t on my period, I was
uncomfortably wet. I was breaking out worse than I had when I hit peak puberty.
I hated who I saw in the mirror.

I lost myself. And you know the saying, “if you don’t love yourself, who will?”
Well, yeah, that’s true. It was hard to maintain a romantic relationship during
this transition.

Pro-tip: Don’t make any radical changes to your prescriptions during a big
life transition or move. Being on a new continent likely amplified my symptoms
and made the whole chemical imbalance more overwhelming.

I decided to take action. I was done feeling like crap. I was sick of hearing
how terrible the pill was when it helped me so much. On top of that, I was done
feeling judged for my choice of birth control. Since coming to Europe last
summer, I noticed people over here are generally more skeptical of the pill and
more keen on natural family planning (fertility awareness). Because of this, I
felt impure and slightly judged by people when I told them I was on the pill.

Before running straight back to estrogen and progestin, I wanted to see if there
were any alternative treatments, so I went to a new gynecologist in Berlin.

Like most German doctors I’ve seen so far, the appointment was quick and to the
point. She asked me what was wrong and firmly said: “The pill is the only
option. ” I pleaded with her and said, “there’s got to be another option — is
there any treatment for heavy and irregular periods without hormones?”

“Nein.”

Then she proceeded to write a prescription without asking me if I wanted it.
Within five minutes, I was walking back down Adalbertstrasse, and I was mad. Why
is this my only option?

I didn’t want to cave in so easily, so I didn’t go to the pharmacy and fill the
prescription. I wanted to keep my experiment going a little bit longer. Plus, I
refused to believe that I needed the pill.

So on my next trip to California, I saw a doctor at the trusted Palo Alto
Medical Foundation.

My American doctor said I was experiencing heightened levels of male hormones
and recommended an antiandrogen. So I tried out spironolactone, which
was primarily for hormonal acne, but seemed to be promising for my other
symptoms as well.

I didn’t feel much better after a few weeks on spironolactone. And I didn’t like
having to take two pills a day, morning and night. This is when I decided to go
back on the pill.

New German prescription

So after eight months pill-free, I’m on MAYRA now. And yes, that’s a fiery
redhead on the box. Pill branding is terrible in Germany too.

Since starting again, I’ve literally taken back control of my hormones and my
body. And most of the annoying symptoms diminished within the first cycle.

My period isn’t an issue any more. The emotional window before my period is less
intense. Little things that really irked me during PMS are less dire now. I’m
able to move on. The painful cramps are gone. My skin is clearing up. I’m waking
up early again, and with energy. I’m happier.

Sure, the pill is not for everyone and I’m definitely not trying to convince
anyone to go or stay on the pill. Everyone is different. Our genetic makeup,
lifestyle and environment play a huge role. For some people, being ON the pill
has just as irritating side effects.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Do what feels best for you. I know
that might seem painfully obvious, but it’s not as easy as it seems. Especially
without understanding the ins and outs of your own system.

We’re lucky to be living in a time when people are becoming more and more aware
of their bodies. Being a part of the progress at Clue gives me hope that my
daughter won’t ever be rushing down the street, frustrated and torn over what to
do to achieve hormonal harmony. She’ll never feel out of control of her body.
And hopefully, she’ll have a few more options.

Delaying your period with hormonal birth control

Delaying your period with hormonal birth control

With hormonal birth control, regular monthly bleeding doesn’t provide any health benefits. Find out how you can have more control over your cycle.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Are you interested in having fewer periods? It’s possible with hormonal birth control. Find out how and get answers to common questions about using birth control to delay or prevent periods.

How does it work?

Traditional methods of birth control — including estrogen-progestin birth control pills, the contraceptive skin patch and the vaginal ring — were designed to be used in a way that mimics a natural menstrual cycle. For example, a traditional pill pack contains four weeks — or 28 days — of pills, but only the first three weeks contain hormones that actively suppress your fertility. The pills for the fourth week are inactive. The bleeding that occurs during the week you take the inactive pills is called withdrawal bleeding. This is your body’s response to stopping the hormones.

Withdrawal bleeding isn’t the same as a regular period. Nor is withdrawal bleeding necessary for health. This is good news if you use birth control and want to have fewer periods, either for personal or medical reasons.

What is the difference between continuous-use and extended-use birth control?

In general, there are two ways to use hormonal birth control to reduce the number of periods you have:

  • Continuous-use birth control is when you take active hormones for a year or longer, with no breaks. Because you do not stop taking active hormones, you do not have withdrawal bleeding.
  • Extended-use birth control is when you extend the amount of time you take active hormones to longer than the typical 21 days. But over the course of the year, you periodically take breaks from the hormones, during which you experience withdrawal bleeding.

Which types of hormonal birth control can be used to delay periods?

Several types of hormonal birth control can be used to reduce the number of periods you have. The best method for you depends on your goals and preferences — for example, whether you want fewer or no periods and whether you want short- or long-term birth control — and your overall health. Talk to your doctor about the following options.

Birth control pills

It’s possible to delay or prevent your period with extended or continuous use of any combined estrogen-progestin birth control pill. Your doctor can recommend the best pill schedule for you, but generally, you skip the inactive pills in your pill pack and start right away on a new pack. However, there are also several types of birth control pills designed specifically to lengthen the time between your periods. Among those currently available in the U.S. are:

  • Jolessa (generic version of Seasonale). With this regimen, you take active pills continuously for 84 days — or 12 weeks — followed by one week of inactive pills. Your period occurs during week 13, about once every three months.
  • Amethia, Camrese and Simpesse (generic versions of Seasonique). With this regimen, you take active pills for 84 days — or 12 weeks — followed by one week of pills containing a very low dose of estrogen. Your period occurs during week 13, about once every three months. Taking low-dose estrogen pills instead of inactive pills helps reduce bleeding, bloating and other side effects sometimes associated with a hormone-free interval.
  • Rivelsa (a generic version of Quartette). With this 91-day regimen, you take active pills for 84 days — or 12 weeks. Each pill contains a constant dose of progestin, but the dose of estrogen gradually increases — starting with 20 micrograms (mcg), moving up to 25 mcg and moving up again to 30 mcg — at three distinct times during the regimen. Then you take one week of pills containing a very low dose of estrogen. Your period occurs during week 13, about once every three months. The gradual increase in estrogen in Rivelsa may decrease episodes of breakthrough bleeding experienced during early cycles of extended-use pills compared with other extended-use pills.
  • Amethyst. This pill contains low doses of both progesterone and estrogen and is designed to be taken continuously for one year. There are no breaks for hormone-free intervals.
Vaginal ring (NuvaRing)

Like combined estrogen-progestin birth control pills, it’s possible to delay or prevent your period with extended or continuous use of the contraceptive vaginal ring.

Hormonal intrauterine device (Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, others)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of long-term birth control. After your doctor inserts the device into your uterus, it continuously releases a type of progestin into your body and can remain in place for up to five years. Hormonal IUDs are available in varying doses. Over time, all hormonal IUDs reduce the frequency and duration of menstrual bleeding. However, a higher dose IUD (52 mg of levonorgestrel) appears to be more effective at stopping periods entirely. For example, one year after the insertion of a 52-mg-dose IUD, 20% of women report having no periods. After two years, 30% to 50% of women report having no periods.

DMPA injection (Depo-Provera)

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a type of progestin that you receive by injection every 90 days. It is a form of long-term birth control and also reduces or eliminates monthly bleeding. After one year of DMPA injections, 50% to 75% of women report having no periods. The longer you use DMPA, the more likely it is to stop your periods.

What are the benefits of delaying your period?

Delaying your period can help you manage various menstrual symptoms. It might be worth considering if you have:

  • A physical or mental disability that makes it difficult to use sanitary napkins or tampons
  • A condition worsened by menstruation, such as endometriosis or anemia
  • Breast tenderness, bloating or mood swings in the seven to 10 days before your period
  • Headaches or other menstrual symptoms during the week you take inactive birth control pills
  • Heavy, prolonged, frequent or painful periods

In addition, menstrual bleeding is sometimes simply inconvenient. You may want to postpone your period until after an important exam, athletic event, vacation or special occasion, such as your wedding or honeymoon.

Is it safe for all women to delay menstruation?

If your doctor says it’s OK for you to take hormonal birth control, it’s probably safe to use it to delay your period. Delaying menstruation remains controversial, however. Even physicians who support the option may not mention it unless you bring up the topic. If you want to try delaying your period, ask your doctor which option might work for you.

What are the drawbacks to delaying your period?

Breakthrough bleeding — bleeding or spotting between periods — is common when you use hormonal birth control to delay or prevent periods, especially during the first few months. Breakthrough bleeding typically decreases over time, however, as your body adjusts to the new regimen.

Another drawback of routinely delaying your period is that it may be more difficult to tell if you’re pregnant. If you have morning sickness, breast tenderness or unusual fatigue, take a home pregnancy test or consult your doctor.

What can be done about breakthrough bleeding?

Breakthrough bleeding usually decreases with time, but there are some things you can do in the meantime:

  • Stay on schedule. Missing a pill, forgetting to replace your vaginal ring or scheduling a DMPA injection late makes breakthrough bleeding more likely.
  • Track breakthrough bleeding in a calendar or diary. Typically, careful tracking offers reassurance that breakthrough bleeding is decreasing.
  • Go back to taking your birth control as typically prescribed. You’ll likely have less breakthrough bleeding if you don’t try delaying your period by skipping inactive weeks.
  • If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. Women who smoke are more likely to experience breakthrough bleeding than are women who don’t smoke.

If you use estrogen-progestin birth control pills or the vaginal ring, taking occasional hormone-free days may help manage unscheduled bleeding. As long as you have been taking active hormones for at least 21 to 30 days, you can stop taking the pill or remove the ring whenever breakthrough bleeding becomes a problem. After three or four hormone-free days, restart your pills or reinsert the ring. Over time, the episodes of breakthrough bleeding should space out and eventually stop.

Breakthrough bleeding isn’t a sign that your birth control isn’t working. Be sure to keep taking your birth control — even if you experience bleeding — to lower your risk of unplanned pregnancy. If breakthrough bleeding becomes heavy or lasts more than seven days in a row, contact your doctor.

 

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Show references

  1. Kaunitz AM. Hormonal contraception for suppression of menstruation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 16, 2019.
  2. Hatcher RA, et al., eds. Contraceptive Technology. 21st ed. Ayer Company Publishers; 2018.
  3. Edelman A, et al. Evaluation and management of unscheduled bleeding in women using contraception. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 16, 2019.
  4. AskMayoExpert. Contraception. Mayo Clinic; 2019.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 110: Noncontraceptive uses of hormonal contraceptives. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2010; doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181cb50b5.
  6. Jolessa (prescribing information). Teva Pharmaceuticals USA; 2018. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f1076019-6f2c-4c90-9f3c-ab0c7cdd9315. Accessed Oct. 10, 2019.
  7. Amethia (prescribing information). Mayne Pharma; 2019. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d6a33ea7-ecd1-4f81-a984-f210a3989618. Accessed Oct. 10, 2019.
  8. Camrese (prescribing information) Teva Pharmaceuticals USA; 2018. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0e198d28-4986-4b93-833f-17c7ed4ce13e. Accessed Oct. 10, 2019.
  9. Simpesse (prescribing information). Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.; 2019. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=abea62b3-6a55-40a4-9e68-1ee9801e0f2c. Accessed Oct. 10, 2019.
  10. Rivelsa (prescribing information). Teva Pharmaceuticals USA; 2018. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=822e56c6-562f-4299-bf4f-eaee0c0f2b7a. Accessed Oct. 10, 2019.
  11. Amethyst (prescribing information). Actavis Pharma; 2017. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a7e19182-57b5-4783-9c7f-bb83961f1803. Accessed Oct. 10, 2019.
  12. Mirena (prescribing information). Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2017. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=dcbd6aa2-b3fa-479a-a676-56ea742962fc. Accessed Oct. 30, 2019.
  13. Depo-Provera (prescribing information). Pharmacia and Upjohn Company LLC; 2019. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=199cf13e-0859-4a73-9b45-e700d0cd1049. Accessed Oct. 30, 2019.
  14. Butler Tobah YS (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Nov. 6, 2019.

See more In-depth


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Birth Control Withdrawal: When to Stop Pills & the Effects

Another false concern is the idea that the longer you’ve been on the pill, the longer it will take you to get pregnant once you stop. “But that’s not the case,” says Tosha Rogers, DO, an ob-gyn in the Atlanta area.

The Effects of Stopping the Pill

Although you won’t notice that you’ve started ovulating again, if you were taking the pill for another reason, such as to control heavy bleeding or to regulate your period, it’s highly likely that the problem will return as soon as you stop, Dr. Putterman says.

Likewise, if you were taking the pill to control hot flashes, you might start having them after stopping birth control pills. If the pill helps make your skin more clear, once you stop taking it, you could start breaking out again. If getting your period makes you irritable or sad and the pill was helping keep you on an even keel, don’t be surprised if those PMS emotions return once you stop.

Some women may find that their appetite increases when they stop birth control pills. On the other hand, if your birth control pills were causing you to retain water, you may lose water weight once you stop.

But any minor side effects shouldn’t last more than a month or two, Thomas says. “They should level off after that.” Putterman says to keep in mind that lower-dose pills have fewer side effects while you’re on them and when you withdraw from them than higher-dose pills do.

When to Stop Taking Birth Control Pills

Although you can stop taking birth control pills at any time, even in the middle of the pill pack, doing so could throw your cycle off and cause bleeding to start. “Your uterus gets confused, but it’s not your period,” Thomas says. “You could bleed for two weeks and there’s no way to control it.” If you want to bypass irregular bleeding, wait to finish the pack before you stop.

Another reason to finish your pack is to better judge ovulation timing if you’re stopping birth control to get pregnant — you’ll know when to expect your period and when you might be ovulating. It’s easier to date your pregnancy if you know when your last period was.

Once you’re off birth control pills, pay attention to your cycle. If it doesn’t return to normal in two to three months, see your doctor. There could be another health issue at work.

How do you stop breakthrough bleeding on the pill?

If you’re using the combined oral contraceptive pill, you likely take a tablet every day for 21 days, followed by a week’s break for a bleed. That’s the way it’s currently licensed for use. But earlier this year, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) published new guidance stating that this break was medically unnecessary. You can safely avoid monthly bleeding and the symptoms that come with it by running your pill packets together.

“If a woman wants to avoid periods on combined hormonal contraception she can run the packets together – we don’t need a regular monthly bleed to be healthy, and lots of women welcome the option of avoiding bleeding,” said Dr Sarah Hardman, co-director of the Clinical Effectiveness Unit of the FSRH, when the guidance was released.

The benefits of continuous use extend beyond skipping periods. Some women find symptoms associated with the withdrawal bleed, such as migraines, headaches and PMS, will be reduced. And taking the pill without the break makes it a more effective method of contraception too. Not taking tablets for seven days weakens the pill’s main effect of preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg; so it makes ovulation more likely if you miss any pills before or after the break.

Continuous use sounds like a winner for many women. But it’s common for those who embrace it to experience breakthrough bleeding. This can be quite frustrating. If you’re hoping to opt out of periods altogether, but find yourself bleeding anyway, you’re bound to feel a little cheated.

Why breakthrough bleeding happens

So why does breakthrough bleeding occur in the first place? Consultant gynaecologist Professor Sharon Cameron at Edinburgh University, and spokesperson for charity Wellbeing of Women, points out that many women experience it when they first start taking the pill, whether they choose to have the seven-day break or not.

“When you start on a contraceptive pill, it’s really common that you will get a bit of breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few packets. But generally, that should settle within three months. So if it’s continuing you should go back and see your contraceptive provider.”

She explains that taking the combined pill switches your ovaries off. And the hormones in the pill make the lining of the womb thicken up.

“However, it never gets quite a thick as it would’ve done in a normal cycle, which is why generally the bleed that one has when one has seven days off tends to be a bit lighter and less crampy than the period you experience off the pill,” says Cameron. “But what happens over time, if you take the pill continuously, is it eventually will get a bit thick. It might start coming away gradually.”

That’s why you might experience light bleeding if you’ve been running your pill packets together. But unfortunately, says Cameron, there’s not much you can do to reduce the chances of breakthrough bleeding. Some women are just more susceptible to it than others and it doesn’t mean your pill is going to be less effective.

When to worry

“However, there are a few things that can cause breakthrough bleeding,” she cautions. “So if someone has breakthrough bleeding, it could be because they’ve missed pills, or they’ve had diarrhoea and vomiting and the pill hasn’t been absorbed properly. Or, they may have taken certain medications (including some herbal preparations) that have interacted with the pill.”

All of these scenarios can decrease the pill’s effectiveness as contraception.

There’s also some evidence that smoking can make breakthrough bleeding more likely, Cameron points out. Additionally, it can sometimes occur with STIs such as chlamydia. And while unexpected bleeding on the pill is usually completely benign, it’s important to be aware that occasionally it can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, or very rarely due to womb and cervical cancer. So if it’s not normal for you, you should get it checked out.

“But there are some women who just seem to bleed on every sort of hormonal contraception, and that’s because the methods we have don’t entirely replicate what the natural cycle would do. But as long as there’s nothing harmful going on, there are some women who are prepared to put up with it in order to have an effective method of contraception.”

Can it affect your mood?

Many women experience mood swings around their period. So could breakthrough bleeding also be associated with PMS, even if you’ve been taking the same dose of hormones every day? Anecdotal reports suggest feeling anxious or agitated when breakthrough bleeding occurs is common. But Cameron says the evidence for this is currently unclear.

“Mood and the influence of hormones is poorly understood – and of course, the pill is also used as treatment for PMS,” she points out.

If you’re taking a contraceptive method that’s switching your natural cycle off and giving you a continuous dose, it’s hard to see why it would affect your mood. But some researchers believe these mood swings have more to do with a certain part of the brain than the ovaries, Cameron reveals.

“If someone was getting those symptoms on the pill and they’re troublesome, it is worth trying a different combination pill to see if it’s any better for them. And there are a lot of combinations of pills, or other methods of contraception, to try.”

Some women also prefer not to run packs of pill together for fear of the monster bleed and cramps that will await when they do eventually take a break. But Cameron believes this shouldn’t be a big concern.

“Continuous pill taking can be good for women who do have heavy bleeds when they’re not on the pill because you’re reducing the frequency of bleeds that do occur. And for some women, they may be able to go a long period of time without getting any bleeding on it. Because for them, that combination of hormones on the lining of their womb results in a very minimal thickening.”

What to do if it’s becoming a nuisance

If the breakthrough bleeding is becoming annoying, the FSRH guidance suggests a solution.

“When the bleeding starts happening, and it’s becoming a bit of a nuisance, women can stop taking the pill for four days, let the lining shed and then start afresh,” reveals Cameron.

This will not reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, she explains.

“With a four-day rather than a seven-day break, there’s also less likelihood that the ovaries will wake up and for one of the eggs to develop enough for ovulation.”

If this four-day break doesn’t improve the bleeding, seek advice from your GP or local sexual health clinic.

6 Things That Can Happen When You Stop Taking The Pill – Cleveland Clinic

Whether you’re looking to get pregnant or quitting for
medical reasons – many women stop taking the pill and don’t know what to expect
or be aware of. Whatever your reason, you might experience a few hormonal and
bodily changes as you return to your natural cycle.

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“Keep in mind that the pill is a type of hormonal medication,” explains Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD. “Every woman reacts differently to going on the pill and then coming off it. Some women may notice huge changes, while others notice very little difference.”

Here’s what to keep in mind as your body adjusts when you
stop taking the pill.

1. You could get pregnant! (Yes, right away.)

Many women don’t realize how quickly their bodies can start
ovulating again after going off BC. Once you stop taking the pill, the hormones
will be out of your body in a matter of days and you’re no longer protected
from pregnancy.

“There are some women who go off the pill and never even get a period because they get pregnant right away,” says Dr. Zanotti.

So if getting pregnant isn’t on your radar quite yet – be mindful that no pill means no contraception and you should be using an alternative method of birth control (like a condom).

2. It could take a while to get your natural period back.

Some women go right back to having a regular cycle after ditching the pill, while other women might not get their period again for three months. Dr. Zanotti’s advice is to be patient and track your cycle. If your period is still confused by month three, then make an appointment to see your doctor.

3. PMS symptoms might reappear.

“Many women go on birth control to help with premenstrual
symptoms like cramps, bloating and nausea,” says Dr. Zanotti. “So the unwanted
side effects of your period will probably return after you stop taking the pill.”

Birth control helps regulate cycles and control hormonal
symptoms, so don’t be surprised if you feel like your breast are more tender
right before your period or if you feel more irritable or moody.

Some women might also see the return of a menstrual migraine
right before they get their period. (What a joy!)

4. Your period might be longer and heavier.

If you’ve been on the pill for a while then you’re probably used to shorter and lighter periods. But after going off the pill, you might notice that your period is heavier, longer in duration and the interval has changed. This is all normal.

“For most women on the pill – their periods are right on track and often last only a few days,” says Dr. Zanotti. “But once the hormones are gone, you might notice a change in flow and duration.”

5. You probably won’t lose weight.(Sorry!)

Weight gain is actually not a consistent side effect of the pill, explains Dr. Zanotti. Everyone is different, but research has found that being on the pill usually doesn’t cause more than a pound of weight a year.

Sure there might be some women who retain more fluid and
water weight, but if you’ve gained weight while on the pill and haven’t changed
much about your life style, you probably won’t see any significant weight loss
once you come off it.   

6. You might feel a little frisky.

Some women complain about a low sex drive while taking the pill. The good news? You could see a spike in your libido once you stop taking birth control.

“The pill can cause vaginal dryness,” says Dr. Zannotti. “So this change in discharge and natural lubrication can increase libido in some women.”

90,000 Combined hormonal contraceptives for heavy menstrual bleeding

Review question

Researchers from the Cochrane Gynecology and Fertility Group reviewed the evidence for the effect of combined hormonal contraceptives in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (CMB) versus no treatment, placebo (sham treatment), or other medical treatment.

Relevance

SMC can cause anemia (too few red blood cells) and affect a woman’s quality of life and well-being.This means that premenopausal women can often consult with their doctor or see a gynecologist for menstrual bleeding. Combination oral contraceptive pills (CHCs) can help control your menstrual cycle by thinning the endometrium (the lining of the uterus that flakes off with blood during menstruation). It is possible that contraceptives used in other ways (through a vaginal ring or a patch on the skin) can also work in a similar way and reduce menstrual blood loss.

Research characteristics

Eight studies involving 805 women compared hormonal combination contraceptives (mainly combined contraceptive pills) with either no treatment, placebo, or other medical treatment. Studies have assessed the effects of the interventions on menstrual bleeding, satisfaction, quality of life, adverse events, and hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body).The evidence is current to September 2018.

Highlights

Two studies showed that a type of CHC containing estradiol valerate and dienogest reduced BMR and improved quality of life and hemoglobin levels compared to placebo, but at the expense of some minor side effects. The available data were insufficient to compare contraceptives with other treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or progestogens.Two studies showed that the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) was more effective in reducing menstrual blood loss than CHC. Two trials found no evidence of a different effect between oral contraceptive pills or a hormonal vaginal ring. We found no studies evaluating the effects of the combined hormonal patch (transdermal patch).

Quality of evidence

The quality of the evidence comparing oral contraceptive pills to placebo was moderate, but the quality of the evidence from other comparisons was either low or very low.LNG IUS – levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is more effective than CHC in reducing menstrual bleeding, but the available data were insufficient to compare other treatments. This means that while combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding (CMB), we cannot be absolutely sure how much more effective they are than other treatments for lowering CMR (although LNG IUS appears to be more effective).

Reviews Regulon, prices, instructions for use

Featured Products

  • I went to the gynecologist with a question about the selection of OK.Appointed Regulon. The price was pleasantly surprised – a little cheaper than other contraceptives. The pills fit me personally. The gynecologist told me a little life hack – if you drink them at night, then there is less chance that there will be some unpleasant side effects such as nausea or headaches. And the truth is – I have not encountered anything like that!

  • Olga
    2017-03-02 15:11

    Regulon is an excellent drug, for a long time the gynecologist picked up contraceptive pills for me, and settled on these.I approached as much as possible, I did not notice any side effects. I’m not gaining weight, which is important for me. The price is quite adequate. The cycle has returned to normal, earlier there were frequent failures, menstruation became less painful. Overall, I am satisfied.

  • Nina
    2017-03-02 14:45

    Good contraceptive, I have been using it for 7 years and it has been effective so far.In addition, Regulon normalizes the cycle, and relieves the known painful and unpleasant sensations with it, almost no stomach pain, no dizziness torment. I did not observe any side effects from him, no excess weight and other horror stories. The price is a little high, so I buy it in bulk – then it is already quite acceptable with discounts.

  • Olga
    2017-03-02 10:11

    These contraceptive pills were recommended to me by a friend.I drank Regulon in order to adjust the menstrual cycle, after taking one drug I started bleeding and had to urgently stop it. The cost for Regulon is normal, as well as for other tablets with a typical composition. It worked well, relieved painful sensations and helped to recover.

  • Karina Mityeva
    2017-03-01 21:42

    Month saw Regulon – its price is slightly cheaper than that of other contraceptive pills.The doctor prescribed, but then changed to another drug, stronger and with an antiandrogenic effect. I didn’t notice any big side effects – I didn’t feel sick, my head didn’t hurt. The main thing is to take it at the same time so that the body gets used to artificial hormones and does not miss the pills. Then contraception is 100%!

  • Stasova Anna Olegovna
    2017-03-01 16:56

    I have been taking Regulon for a little over a year on the advice of my doctor and I am very satisfied.Before that there were problems in the “female part”, I suffered for a long time. Already after taking the first package of the drug, a positive treatment result was noticeable. Taking the tablets is simple and convenient, one tablet a day. The instructions clearly describe the reception scheme. The tablet is small, round. The price of the drug in comparison with other analogues is much more affordable.

  • Maryana
    2017-03-01 16:40

    My gynecologist offered me the choice of using Regulon or Novinet for unwanted pregnancy.For a while I was taking novinet. But he made me sick and I didn’t feel very well. But when I switched to regulon, he completely satisfied me with everything. The drug did not cause any side effects in me. Nausea from him did not appear, it is convenient to take, most importantly, on time.

  • Tatiana
    2017-03-01 13:47

    Regulon, one of the inexpensive oral contraceptives.The action is not worse than that of the dear ones. You need to drink it for 21 days, and then you should take a break. But you need to carefully monitor the reception, do not forget to restore it. I didn’t have any side effects, and after I stopped drinking, I didn’t gain weight. And it is much easier to find it in pharmacies than other hormonal ones.

  • Rita
    2017-03-01 13:26

    Regulon n21 was written out in order to restore the cycle.All my fears that I will gain weight or begin to grow hair are absolutely groundless. The cycle returned to normal, I don’t even remember the price of the issue. The main thing is not to miss taking pills. Which, in principle, is not difficult at all. And the intimate life with her husband has become much more pleasant, there is no fear of getting pregnant. Ps. There are already two kids;)

90,000 Intermenstrual bleeding, causes, when taking contraceptives, how to stop intermenstrual bleeding

Intermenstrual spotting

Intermenstrual bleeding is a common gynecological problem.The reasons for this phenomenon can be different: both threatening health and a variant of the norm. We will briefly consider them, as well as what to do in a given situation.

About what causes the intermenstrual bleeding the doctor can tell only after talking with the patient, examination of her cervix and all organs of the pelvic floor. In most cases, a gynecological examination with smears and ultrasound is sufficient. But it may also be necessary to take for a histological examination of the endometrium, cervical tissue, or to do a laparoscopic operation for the purpose of diagnosis, and perhaps immediately and treatment of pathology.

If your “period” began less than 21 days from the first day of the previous one, this is abnormal. You should rush to the doctor, especially if intermenstrual bleeding with clots has begun – this is an indirect confirmation of significant blood loss.

The problem may lie in the improper production of hormones – in the ovaries or the thyroid gland, for example. If you have this type of intermenstrual bleeding, your doctor may diagnose ovarian dysfunction.But only if other pathologies, such as endometrial hyperplasia, are excluded.

Menstruation beyond the term can also begin in the event of an interruption of a uterine or ectopic pregnancy. Yes, not all women follow their cycle and care about contraception. But an unusually scanty “menstruation” can be a sign of pregnancy.

If implantation bleeding occurs, then it does not threaten health, and the woman will not be very scared, since it is very, very scarce.The term of its appearance is about a week after ovulation, that is, with a 28-day menstrual cycle – a week before the start of the next menstruation (if they start, of course).

Intermenstrual bleeding may occur while taking birth control pills. If this happens in the first three months of taking the drug, you just need to be patient a little. This is a restructuring of the body, a normal phenomenon. If this continues for more than 3-4 months, you need to think about changing the drug (on the recommendation of a doctor) or stopping taking the pills.In addition, bleeding can occur due to errors in taking the drug – if a woman does not take pills at the same time.

And how to stop intermenstrual bleeding at home and what do doctors prescribe in such cases? We would not recommend taking any medications on your own. Well, traditional medicine, recommending, for example, taking a decoction of nettle in this case is unlikely to help. Moreover, you do not need to rely on your own strength if the intermenstrual spotting is intense – you have to change the sanitary napkin more often than 1 time in 2-3 hours.With such symptoms, the doctor should take out of turn.

Stopping bleeding will be carried out depending on the severity of the condition. He is assessed by a doctor. If possible, hormone therapy will be prescribed. In such cases, “Duphaston” can be prescribed, for example, if the problem is ovarian dysfunction.

If the bleeding is severe, and its cause is endometrial pathology, a quick and effective treatment will be curettage of the uterus.

90,000 When can and when can not you put a spiral?

In order to give birth to a healthy child, every woman must approach conception planning with a great deal of responsibility. If you do not want your pregnancy to be an unpleasant surprise for you, you need to take care of reliable contraception. Currently, such a variety as an intrauterine device is very popular. You can install it in our gynecological clinic. And this article will talk about when you can do it.

Highlights

The spiral is considered one of the best contraceptives for married women who already have their own children.Having one partner minimizes the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, from which the spiral does not protect. If a woman has had many abortions and the contraceptives she uses are ineffective, the doctor may also advise her to install a coil. In addition, it is recommended to use it after childbirth, miscarriages and abortions, when the onset of the next pregnancy is temporarily undesirable. The spiral is also installed for those women who have any contraindications to conception or genetic pathologies in the family.If we talk about hormonal coils, they are often used for medicinal purposes. With their help, you can solve the problems of painful heavy periods, uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

As for contraindications to the installation of the spiral, these include:

  • Cervical diseases such as erosion, dysplasia and cervicitis.
  • Pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy.
  • AIDS.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Genital tuberculosis.
  • Allergic reactions to spiral materials.
  • History of ectopic pregnancies.
  • Oncological diseases of the genitals and mammary glands.
  • Such acute and chronic ailments as colpitis, adnexitis, endometritis, salpingitis.
  • Uterine bleeding of unexplained etiology.

In addition, doctors do not recommend putting a spiral on young nulliparous women, as well as women over 65 years old.If you would like to consult a doctor about the contraceptive method described, this can be done in our private clinic.

How to get rid of your period and start living – Knife

I belong to the second category. Most doctors are content with my explanation, although one day I bumped into a meticulous nurse who looked at me with condemnation. “What if you want kids?” She asked. “Then I’ll pull this thing out,” I replied. “But don’t you feel unnatural about not having your periods?” She asked.I assured that I feel great without them. The sister shook her head and remarked, “It must be strange to feel a foreign object inside.” “Yes, for example, a child,” I replied, and the questioning stopped there.

This particular woman was particularly harsh, but she is by no means the only one who is suspicious of contraceptive devices that stop monthly bleeding. Friends ask if I have a constant fear of flying. Friends, with whom we have nothing but sex, care if I will remain sterile.The word “unnatural” comes up constantly in conversations.

Language tightly ties menstruation to the concept of female identity.

“You are turning into a woman!” – exclaim the adults when a teenage girl first bleeds from there . The phrase “women’s products” in pharmacies serves as a euphemism primarily for tampons and pads, although many products for our gender are also sold there: cosmetics, shampoos, shaving razors. The focus on the “femininity” of menstruation also ignores the existence of trans men who also have them.

Menstruation serves as a marker of female identity, but it can also be painful and problematic. Therefore, there is pressure from public opinion in favor of hiding the “fu factor” of menstruation. It is not surprising that there are those who consider the best solution to get rid of “critical days” altogether.

“There is no medical indication for a woman to necessarily menstruate every month,” says Alice Dweck, a gynecology professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, “and there is nothing wrong with tuning a woman’s body if her bleeding is heavy.”

One such woman is business coach Cherry Collier from Georgia. After complaints of painful periods, the doctor discovered she had fibroids and suggested removing the uterus. Cherry was in her reproductive age, so she looked for alternatives and found that she could take birth control pills, get a constant dose of hormones, shorten her period, and ease her suffering. “It was wonderful, the pills freed me,” she recalls, “everything began to flow easier, the spasms became weak, and most importantly, I was no longer helpless, I myself chose how to overcome the pain.”

Caroline Thompson of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirmed to me that this method is safe and especially popular before starting the cycle extension pill. The composition of the drug, which stops menstruation, is similar to conventional birth control pills. According to Dr. Thompson, there are categories of women who are advised by a doctor to get rid of their periods – those who suffer from migraines, severe cramps, and those with endometriosis.

“There are also women who just don’t want to have their period, so they take these pills all the time.There is no harm from this, neither in the short term nor in the long term. ”

Before the advent of home pregnancy tests, the desire of girls to have periods had a logical basis – bleeding was a confirmation of the absence of pregnancy.

“When pharmacists were developing birth control pills, they asked women what they wanted and they said they wanted menstruation so they knew the pill worked and didn’t conceive,” says James Seagars, director of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Johns Hopkins University.”Your period while taking oral contraceptives is purely a pharmacological consequence.”

The pills began the process of a woman establishing control over her body – not only over fertility, but also over menstruation.

Despite the name, many people get their periods irregular and unpredictable, and birth control pills help regulate their timing and intensity. Menstruation is natural, but it often interrupts normal life and requires additional time and effort.

PR specialist Christine Vincenzo started taking hormonal injections in 1999. Intrauterine devices like mine, which regulate hormone release by themselves, were then perceived with a fair amount of skepticism. “Since childhood, I remember scary stories about intrauterine devices, so I didn’t even consider them as an option,” says Christine. from among them “.

In 2013, a study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine that proved the benefits of intrauterine hormonal contraceptives for women’s health using 570 case histories. Danielle Booze, 31, a mother of two, decided to wear the same Mirena device as mine after severe bleeding with spasms “literally stopped emotional and physical life.” When Danielle was unable to take the children to school due to pain, she began looking for ways to deal with her condition.“My friends tried to dissuade me from an intrauterine device,” she recalls, “they said that they would never put some foreign thing inside themselves and that there should be other ways. But the pills and injections had their risks, so Mirena was the best option for me. ” Mirena solves problems with contraception and menstruation for five years, then you need to go to the gynecologist and replace her with a new one.

Women who consider using such devices often fear “unnatural” consequences.

Dr. Thompson, who sets them to her patients almost every day, constantly hears questions about whether “something” is forming inside the uterus, since there will be no menses that cleanse it naturally. The reality is that those who do not use hormonal contraceptives are more at risk of neoplasms in the uterus.

The debate on cessation of menstruation has centered around women who have difficult periods. But there are also those who are uncomfortable with menstruation and would rather just not have bleeding.Susan Shane, 29, is one of those. She writes about travel and is constantly on the road, due to the frequent change of time zones, adherence to the schedule of taking pills becomes problematic. Another writer, Jennifer Hancock from Florida, told me that she deliberately chose Mirena to get rid of her period. “When they are a constant part of your life, you don’t realize how much time and money you spend on them,” she says.

I myself am one of those who are difficult to convince of the need to experience bleeding from 3 to 7 days a month that is not medically necessary.

The famous slogan of midol, which relieves menstrual pain, says: “Because your period is more than just pain.” This statement is not only true for ad girls who are upset that they cannot wear white. There are also women who work in shifts and do not have the opportunity to constantly run to the toilet; women who work in a male team and are forced to hide their pads to avoid alienation and ridicule; female sex workers who are becoming incapacitated; finally, young mothers who sleep intermittently and may forget to take the pill at exactly the same time as yesterday.

“Monthly bleeding gives a woman confidence, but they are definitely not necessary,” sums up James Seagars, “when using long-term contraceptives, whose action is reversible, the risk is extremely small, and the benefits are undeniable.” Intrauterine hormonal devices on the market are positioned primarily as contraceptives that eliminate the risk of getting pregnant due to their own forgetfulness, and also save time, money and nerves. And when a woman is ready to have a baby or just missed her period, all she needs to do is go to the doctor and pull out the device.

Some feminists and spiritualists urge to celebrate menstruation as a holiday and celebrate them as a manifestation of their feminine power.

If you feel like a goddess as you bleed, I am not urging you to get rid of your period. My goal is not to convince someone to do this, but to give women a choice.

As for me, I would like to remind you of one more phrase, which is called menstruation: a woman’s curse. Personally, I prefer unnaturalness to a curse any day of the month, whenever you ask me.

90,000 Is it safe to stop menstruation: gynecologists answer

More and more often girls, because of severe pain and discomfort on critical days, drink hormonal drugs that temporarily stop menstruation. In the US, this trend is dubbed menstrual suppression, which means “suppression of menstruation.” We learned from gynecologists how safe this method is for the body and whether such a radical approach affects reproductive function.

According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, most women have an average of 450 menstrual periods in their lifetime. At the same time, according to WHO statistics, more than 75 percent of women experience PMS symptoms (there is a sharp change in mood, pain in the abdomen and joints, sleep disturbances, headaches). And as many as 40 percent would prefer never to have a period in their life, provided that it is harmless to the body.

More and more girls are following the medical approach – menstrual suppression, which means “suppression of menstruation”.The bottom line is to reduce the number of periods under the supervision of a doctor from twelve to three to four times a year.

So, Seasonale has been used in the USA since 2003 (it reduces menstruation up to four times a year), Lybrel was introduced in 2006 (for up to a year), and Implanon was approved in 2007 (for up to three years) …
There is no medical reason why we need a period every month. You can easily get rid of it for a long time, – says Lauren Streicher, M.D.

And here is Dr. Jerilyn Pryor of the Ovulation and Menstrual Cycle Research Center and author of No More Menstruation? and Dr. Susan Rako disagree with this statement.

The monthly cycle of ovulation and menstruation improves bone health, prevents some of the most common causes of premature death – cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart attacks, as well as osteoporosis and stroke, – they say.

Why “turn off” menstruation?

First, let’s define in what cases it may be necessary to “turn off” menstruation for therapeutic purposes.
When a woman comes to the doctor with complaints of heavy and (or) painful menstruation, the patient is examined at the first stage. It includes consultation and examination of a gynecologist, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, a smear for oncocytology from the cervix, determination of the level of certain hormones (according to indications), blood tests to detect iron deficiency / anemia, – explains the obstetrician-gynecologist of the Remedi Institute of Reproductive Medicine Nina Antipova.

The reason for heavy or painful menstruation is most often the retroflection of the uterus (“bend” of the uterus), uterine fibroids (a benign tumor that occurs in the muscle layer of the uterus), endometriosis (a benign formation that occurs as a result of tissue proliferation), hyperplastic processes of the endometrium (internal mucous membrane uterus), adhesions in the small pelvis after surgery.

The diagnosis “algodismenorrhea” stands apart – a condition in which a woman suffers from pain during menstruation, but a routine gynecological examination does not find obvious abnormalities (for example, small uterine fibroids, small forms of endometriosis), – says the expert.

Depending on the diagnosis, a method of treating the problem is selected. They start with the so-called “conservative” or “therapeutic” methods of treatment, that is, not surgical, not radical.

Various hormonal preparations are often used in treatment. The choice of drug for treatment will depend on a number of factors:

• the age of the woman;
• reasons (diagnosis) for which it is necessary to “turn off” menstruation;
• a woman’s plan for having children;
• concomitant diseases.For example, obesity, arterial hypertension, liver disease, smoking can greatly influence the choice of treatment tactics.

Menstruation suppression (hormonal and surgical methods)

The bottom line is to reduce the number of periods under the supervision of a doctor from twelve to three to four times a year. Hormones can suppress the onset of menstruation or move it to other days (menstrual suppression).

On the other hand, it is possible to suppress ovulation and manipulate the entire cycle.In fact, hormonal contraceptives create an artificial cycle that can last as many days as hormones are taken. As soon as you stop drinking hormones, bleeding will appear – “withdrawal bleeding” (artificial menstruation).

Hormonal drugs that are used to “turn off” menstruation.

• Combined hormonal contraceptives (in the form of tablets, patch or vaginal ring)

This method works when hormones enter the woman’s body every day for three to four months, and the woman does not take a break “for menstruation” every month, but every three to four months.Combination hormonal birth control pills use estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen suppresses ovulation, and progesterone thickens cervical mucus (semen can no longer get through it) and dilutes the lining of the uterus.

• Intrauterine system (coil) containing the hormone levonorgestrel

The coil is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. The intrauterine system may also contain progesterone, which thickens cervical mucus and shrinks the lining of the uterus.In some people, the lining of the uterus becomes so thin that periods disappear. Since hormonal coils are put in from three to five years (it depends on the type of her), this means that menstruation may disappear for several years.

• Subcutaneous implant with levonorgestrel

This method of contraception is very similar to the previous one. It also works with progesterone. However, there are several important differences. The implant is a match-sized rod that is implanted into the shoulder.As with hormonal coils, progesterone helps thicken cervical mucus and shrinks the lining of the uterus. Bonus – menstruation can become shorter or disappear altogether.

• Injectable prolonged-release form of a synthetic analogue of progesterone (medroxyprogesterone acetate)

The active substance comes by injection (usually in the arm or buttocks), they are given every three months.

• Antigonadotropic drugs (diferelin, buserelin, danazol).Treatment with these drugs is carried out, as a rule, in courses of several months in combination with surgical treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. The disadvantage is that they have more pronounced side reactions.

With the help of hormonal drugs, you can “turn off” menstruation temporarily, that is, after you stop taking a hormonal drug, menstrual function will be restored completely (except for certain clinical situations).

But the surgical “shutdown” of menstruation is irreversible.Basically, there are two surgical methods:

• removal of the uterus;
• ablation (“burning”) of the endometrium – an alternative to the removal of the uterus.

Is it possible to “turn off” menstruation just for convenience?

This can be done using combined hormonal contraceptives (pills, patch, vaginal ring) and a levonorgestrel intrauterine device. Alternatively, a subcutaneous implant with levonorgesterel or an injectable form of a synthetic progesterone analog may be considered.

Now this regimen of taking combined hormonal contraceptives, when a woman takes a “break for menstruation” every 3-4 months, is called prolonged. This method has a number of advantages: faster addiction to the hormonal drug, less pronounced side reactions, therapeutic effect (less blood loss, less risk of anemia and iron deficiency).

How does it affect health? For whom is this method definitely not suitable?

Opinions were divided here.They believe that suppressing menstruation lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while others argue that the drugs increase the risk of cervical, breast and liver cancers.

According to scientists, there is no evidence that stopping menstruation with hormonal contraceptives is harmful to health.

However, there are some possible side effects from taking certain types of hormonal drugs for many years.

Prolonged hormonal contraceptive regimen is suitable for all women who generally have no contraindications to this type of contraception.However, before making any changes to your menstrual cycle, be sure to check with your doctor to avoid complications or an unplanned pregnancy, experts say.

Can I leave my period if it has already started?

No way has yet been invented to stop menstruation that has already begun. But if you start taking a combined oral contraceptive immediately after the bleeding begins, your period will be shorter and easier.

Taking over-the-counter analgesics at the doses indicated in the instructions for use will reduce the swelling of the uterine walls, which in turn will reduce bleeding and associated pain.

There are several natural ways. These are regular exercises that help relax the muscles in the uterus and reduce menstrual bleeding. Many women claim that herbal teas with valerian root and chamomile, as well as raspberries and nettle leaves, can help slow menstrual bleeding.But before you try herbal medicine, again, you should consult with your doctor.

Does stopping menstruation affect reproductive function?

Negative no. Positively yes. Women using hormonal drugs, in general, monitor their health more closely, visit a gynecologist more often and, as a rule, plan to have children taking into account the recommendations of a specialist, – says Nina Antipova.

A recent study found that 20 percent of women choose to “postpone” their periods by taking the contraceptive pill non-stop.Despite the fact that most articles on this topic indicate that the method is safe, doctors advise you to think twice before becoming a follower of this trend.

Setting up a contraceptive ring – prices in the MC “Health”.

The contraceptive ring as a method of vaginal contraception is easy to use and has a high level of reliability.Qualified gynecologists of the Health Center in Moscow will advise you on this method of contraception for women and help you set it up.

A contraceptive ring is a hormonal contraceptive that is placed inside the vagina for 21 days. After this period, for the time of menstruation, the ring must be removed and taken a break, and then installed again.

Features of the contraceptive ring

The contraceptive ring is flexible and can easily change its shape inside the vagina, taking a comfortable position.
Ring parameters: diameter 54 mm and width – 4 mm
The ring is made of a hypoallergenic material that is safe for the vaginal mucosa.

Pros of setting a contraceptive ring

  • protects against unwanted pregnancy
  • solves problems with the regularity of the menstrual cycle
  • improves the condition of skin, hair, nails
  • eliminates discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse
  • reduces manifestations of PMS

After placement, the contraceptive begins to release hormones: estrogens and progestogens, which have a contraceptive effect.They are dosed into the bloodstream through the mucous membrane of the walls of the vagina.

Before you start using the contraceptive ring, we recommend making an appointment and consulting with a gynecologist at the medical center who will help you assess your health, namely:

  • will order a urine and blood test to determine the level of hormones in the body
  • ask for contraindications, which include: venous thrombosis or a predisposition to blood clots, diabetes mellitus, vaginal bleeding with an unknown cause, malignant tumors, pancreatitis, pregnancy, lactation, ulcerative colitis, tobacco smoking, chronic constipation

After the examination, the doctor will install the contraceptive ring.