Apr
4
For women seeking reversible contraception and interested in putting their period on hold, the FDA recently approved Lybrel® as the first combination oral contraceptive taken 365 days a year. The safety profile of this non-cyclic oral contraceptive was reported as similar to that of a traditional, cyclic oral contraceptive. Effectiveness is at least equal and perhaps slightly better. A national poll found that 60% of women would appreciate not having a period every month and one-third would choose never to have one.
Lybrel® works just like other combination birth control pills by preventing ovulation. The difference is that it supplies a steady low dose of hormones taken every day without a pill-free interval. Lybrel® can prevent menstruation:
- 59% achieved complete absence of all bleeding & spotting
- 20% experienced spotting only—not requiring sanitary protection
- 21% experienced breakthrough bleeding requiring sanitary protection
Opponents claim that it is unnatural or harmful to manipulate a woman’s menstrual Birth control offer no menstrual periodscycle by stopping her period. However the reality is that by using birth control pills women are already manipulating their menstrual cycles. An important distinction that should be made is that women who take oral contraceptives do not have a “true” period; they actually experience what is known as “withdrawal bleeding” on the seven days they are off hormones. he bleeding tends to be shorter and lighter than a regular period because the uterine lining does not build up as much in those who use the pill, so there is less tissue to be shed. This so-called period that occurs during regular birth control packs really has no medical function other than reassuring a woman that she is not pregnant.
Women have chosen to avoid their periods through manipulating their birth control pills because of physically demanding jobs, upcoming honeymoons or vacations, and/or severe period-related symptoms. For decades, medical professionals have been advising women on how to do this properly by starting a new pill pack during the fourth week (when one’s period usually occurs). Stable hormone levels also lead to a reduction or elimination of the symptoms associated with this week such as: bloating, cramping, irritability, headaches, and tender breasts. We welcome Lybrel® as another option on the contraceptive menu to help women take control of their bodies. It should be available this summer.
Wishing you good health!
Survey finds 60 % of women would appreciate not having a period…
To learn more about birth control, visit our web site
Women’s Health Specialists
2299 Mowry Ave. Suite #3C
Fremont, CA 94538
510.796.7057
