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Which Birth Control Stops Periods?

Published in Women's Health 3 mins read

You're asking about a pretty common question - many people want to know if birth control can help them skip their periods! It's great to be curious about your options.

There are a couple of ways birth control can affect your period:

1. Making Periods Lighter and Less Frequent

Most birth control pills work by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation. This can lead to lighter and shorter periods, and sometimes even skipping a period altogether.

  • How it Works: The hormones in birth control pills mimic the hormones your body naturally produces during pregnancy, which signals to your body to stop releasing eggs. This also reduces the thickness of the uterine lining, making your period lighter.

  • Example: If you're on a pill that has 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills (placebo pills), you might experience a period during those 7 inactive days. However, with some pills, you can skip the placebo pills altogether, and your period will be delayed or skipped.

2. Continuous Birth Control:

Some birth control methods are specifically designed to help you skip your period. These methods usually involve taking hormones continuously without a break.

  • Types of Continuous Birth Control:
    • Extended-Cycle Birth Control Pills: These pills have a longer active cycle (e.g., 91 days), allowing you to skip periods for months at a time.
    • Continuous Birth Control Ring: This ring is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones continuously for three weeks, followed by a week off for your period. However, you can choose to keep the ring in for a fourth week and skip your period.
    • Continuous Birth Control Patch: Similar to the ring, this patch releases hormones for three weeks, followed by a week off for your period. You can also choose to skip your period by wearing a new patch on the fourth week.

Important Considerations:

  • Talk to Your Doctor: It's essential to talk to your doctor before starting any birth control method. They can help you choose the best option based on your individual needs and medical history.
  • Potential Side Effects: Like any medication, birth control can have side effects. Some common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and mood changes.
  • Not a Cure: Skipping your period with birth control is not a cure for any underlying medical conditions. If you have irregular periods or other concerns, it's important to consult your doctor.

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