Pregnancy and menopause are two reliable ways to stop your period. However, if you are not yet experiencing hot flashes and mood swings from menopause, or if having a child is not in your immediate plans, you may wonder if birth control pills can also stop your period. The good news is that birth control pills may be able to reduce or even stop your period. However, it’s important to note that nothing is guaranteed when it comes to reproductive
health, which is the less optimistic side of the story.
How do birth control pills work?
Birth control pills come in two varieties. The first type combines synthetic versions of the female hormones progesterone and estradiol, while the second type is a progestin-only mini pill. Women commonly use birth control pills to prevent conception, but they can also be used to treat menstrual problems such as intense cramps and excessive bleeding, as well as skin conditions like acne. Birth control pills prevent pregnancy in several ways, including:
Halting ovulation
Thinning the uterine lining to prevent the fertilized egg from implanting
Thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Most birth control tablets are sold in packages of 28 pills each. The hormones are present in the first 21 pills, or the first three weeks, while the last seven pills in the pack are placebos. Taking your medication at the same time every day is beneficial to keep your body’s hormone levels steady, regardless of the time of the month. The placebos make it easier to remember to take a pill every day. Consistent use significantly improves the effectiveness of birth control pills, meaning that remembering to take them at the same time every day and never missing a pill can result in up to 99 percent success rate. It’s also important to start your new pack on time each month.
It’s worth noting that experiencing diarrhea or vomiting when ill can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Additionally, some drugs can also lower the efficiency of hormonal birth control.
Can you safely skip periods while using birth control?
Medical professionals have long recommended birth control to stop periods. Some people choose to forgo their period on rare occasions, such as expecting their period during their wedding or vacation and wanting to avoid it. Others with illnesses like endometriosis or period-related anemia use birth control to halt their periods. Scientific studies indicate that using birth control pills to skip periods is as safe as regular pill-taking. However, it’s always a good idea to discuss it with your doctor first if you’re considering using birth control to stop your periods.
How long does it take for birth control to stop your period?
Now that we are aware that certain birth control methods can potentially delay or eliminate menstruation, it’s important to understand how long it may take before you notice a difference in your period. In general, hormonal contraceptives usually take about two to three months to significantly reduce bleeding.
Therefore, if you are considering using birth control to decrease, regulate, or postpone your monthly menstrual flow, it’s essential to plan and prepare accordingly. The bottom line is that skipping your period is a safe practice, regardless of your reasons. If you have any concerns about the appropriate birth control technique or if you want more information on skipping your period, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare practitioner. With a few lifestyle adjustments, many women find that their periods resume as usual.