Contraception and periods : what influence does this have on menstrual flow?

Contraception and its various methods are notorious for influencing periods. Some contraceptives can block menstruation, others make menstrual discharge more abundant... What are the different influences of contraceptive solutions on the menstrual cycle and periods ?



Why does contraception influence periods ?

The various contraceptives can have an impact on the periods although this differs according to the method used. Contraceptive methods hormonallike the pill, affect our body's ability to produce its own hormones, thus putting the risk of infection at risk. hormonal system on pause. The bleeding observed is in fact withdrawal bleeding, not periods as such!
Contraceptives non-hormonalmechanically block the nidation. The endometrium may be thicker, which generally means a heavier menstrual flow, as with a copper intrauterine device (IUD). The use of this IUDs and periods are intimately linked.
There are as manyimpacts on periods so many contraceptive methods!

What is the impact of each contraceptive method on periods ?

Each contraceptive method therefore has a different impact on menstrual flow, depending on its action on our hormone production. Let's find out together!

Estrogen-progestin contraception

Combined contraceptive pills containingestrogen and progesterone work by blocking ovulation. In fact, the endometrium, which lines the uterine wall to facilitate implantation, develops little or not at all under the action of estrogen-progestin combinations. And as it is the breakdown of the endometrium through the cervix that causes menstruation, if this uterine mucosa is very thin, blood loss will be less abundant during the 7 days when the pack is stopped. In the absence of an active tablet, this period triggers what is known aswithdrawal bleeding. As a result, this pill tends to produce a lighter flow than its natural cycle. If the 7-day break is not observed, for example if you take two packs in succession, periods will even disappear completely, as there is no drop in hormones.

Progestin-only contraception

There are several types of contraceptive based on synthetic progestins:

  • Progestin-only or microdose pills
  • Contraceptive implants
  • Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Injectable contraceptives

The effects of contraception based on this single hormone vary from woman to woman: some progestin-only methods do not prevent ovulation, so real periods may occur, while others suppress it and may even block menstruation. Thecontraceptive implant, for example, has animpact on periods, with a third of women seeing their periods disappear.
You should check with your health professional or gynecologist that the dosage for this type of contraceptive is right for you, and spotting (light blood loss) may occur while your body adjusts to it. If you experience the slightest discomfort beyond a few adaptation cycles, don't hesitate to consult your GP about changing contraception.

Hormone-free contraceptives

There are, of course, non-hormonal contraceptive methods, which form a mechanical barrier to prevent pregnancy. There are several types:

  • The condom
  • Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Spermicides
  • The cervical cap
  • The diaphragm...

As they work without hormones, your body is not put to rest: it functions naturally, without blocking ovulation. As a result, your cycles are spontaneous and your periods "real", unlike the pill and periods.

Is it possible to regulate periods with a contraceptive?

When some women suffer from painful or heavy periods, or endometriosis, it's possible to use contraception to reduce or even stop menstrual bleeding.
Takingtwo packets of the pill without a week's break can also temporarily eliminate periods for the duration of a cycle.
Whatever happens, if you suffer from excessively painful symptoms during your menstrual flow, know that this is not normal and that a visit to your medical referent is essential!

What should I do if my contraceptive method isn't suitable?

First of all, it's important to recognize the warning signs! How do you know when your pill, IUD or other contraceptive method isn't working for you? Here are a few clinical symptoms that may be good indicators that it's time to change your contraceptive:

  • Spotting- light bleeding outside the menstrual period. This may indicate that the dosage or the body's tolerance is not optimal, and is a common side effect of a poorly tolerated pill.
  • Headaches: some contraceptives can cause headaches lif they have appeared since the start of the contraceptive.
  • Chest pain or mastodynia
  • Recent weight gain after taking contraception
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Heavy legs and circulatory problems
  • acne
  • Mood swings
  • Decreased libido: synthetic hormones can affect sexual desire
  • Repeated forgetfulness, when taking daily pills such as the pill

As a general rule, any undesirable effect lasting more than 3 months, or any impact on your quality of life or sexual relations, should prompt you to consult your doctor for an assessment of the contraception best suited to you personally.

    FAQs on contraception and periods

    Do you have periods with contraception?

    There are different types of contraception. Depending on whether they are hormonal or non-hormonal, contraceptives have radically different effects on periods and your menstrual flow. Some contraceptives, for example, will completely suppress menstruation, while others will reduce it or make it more abundant!

    Which method of contraception removes periods ?

    Progestin-based contraceptive solutions are particularly well known for their ability to suppress menstruation, as in the case of the progestin-only pill! Of course, if you suffer from a periods disorder that makes you want to block your periods, your gynecologist will be happy to help you choose the most suitable device.



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