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Preventing menstruation with birth control pills

Oral contraceptives prevent the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) from building up in the same way and to the same thickness that it normally would. This is why it is possible for women to prevent their period by taking an active pill every day consecutively for up to three to four months. Without the fall in hormonal level, the minimal lining does not shed.

One treatment for PMS, endometriosis or Pill-induced depression is for a woman to follow three to four cycles of active pills followed by a four day pill-free interval.

There is some question about the necessity for a period even after three to four months. An episode of bleeding is probably not necessary but it can help put a woman's mind at ease. Some women may experience slight breakthrough bleeding doing this but it is usually not a big problem. There are no long-term problems which result from this, other than the side-effects typically associated with oral contraceptive use.

I would recommend that you do this with the advice of your doctor or by visiting a Family Planning Clinic.

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