The pill and periods : what are the effects on the menstrual cycle?
Many women take the pill for contraception. In fact, it's an easy-to-use contraceptive that's suitable for many women. At Elia, we're wondering about the impact of lthis contraception on the menstrual cycle.
What is the contraceptive pill?
The pill is a form of contraception, composed of synthetic hormones called estrogens and progestogens. It is an effective method of contraception (99% efficacy) if taken correctly. Apart from the hormones, which may not be suitable for some women, this contraceptive method has lthe disadvantage of having to be taken every day.
As such, there are two types:
- estrogen-progestin pills, which contain both hormones,
- and progestin-only pills.
These two types of contraceptive do not act in the same way. While the progesterone version only modifies the uterine mucosa and mucus (ovulation is blocked depending on the progestin), the estrogen-progestin version acts on several aspects: it blocks ovulation and thickens the mucus, preventing sperm from crossing the cervix and an egg from implanting. However, the impact of this contraception on periods is the same for each type of pill.
How does the contraceptive pill affect periods ?
Most pills come in blister packs of 28 or 21 tablets. In 28-tablet packs, 7 tablets are actually placebos. Hormones are therefore taken for 21 consecutive days, and then, for a week, no hormones are ingested, at which point menstruation occurs. Similarly, periods contraceptive tablets are less painful and often shorter.
Even when you're on the pill, it's possible to have late or early periods: after all, the body isn't a clock. However, as this contraceptive method is not 100% effective, it's best to check that you're not pregnant.
The total shutdown of periods
As bleeding on the pill is a withdrawal hemorrhage, you can choose to take your pack continuously, i.e. skip the 7-day break (or placebos) and start a new one. This will allow you to avoid periods. However, this condition is not definitive, and periods usually returns as soon as you stop taking the pill.
It's possible to experience light blood loss(spotting) if you skip the 7-day break for several cycles in a row. In this case, stick to the next 7 days of scheduled discontinuation and the spotting will disappear. Some people experience menstruation, or rather bleeding, that is so light and short that they have the impression lthat they have no real flow. It's estimated that 1 in 10 women have no withdrawal bleeding. On the other hand, they may experience spotting.
Withdrawal bleeding
Menstruation on the pill is called"withdrawal bleeding" because the discharge is not real periods. This contraceptive device causes false bleeding during the week of withdrawal. The word "deprivation" refers to the absence of hormones during the 7-day withdrawal period or while taking placebos. It's the rapid drop in hormone levels during these 7 days that causes bleeding on the pill, known as withdrawal bleeding. This corresponds to the evacuation of the uterine mucous membrane lining the cavity of the uterus: the endometrium.
Slight blood flow
In addition to periods on the pill, it is common to experience bleeding outside the period of hormonal discontinuation, known as spotting.
Shile it's normal to experience blood loss outside the menstrual period during the first 3 months of using this method of contraception, it's not normal for this to continue afterwards. Consult your doctor, gynecologist or midwife after this initial adaptation phase, if symptoms persist: it may be necessary to switch to a different pill and a different hormone level.
If you forget to take your daily tablet, the drop in hormone levels may cause bleeding or even delay your menstrual periods.
How do I know if my bleeding on the pill is normal?
When you take this contraceptive, it is normal to experience a change in your flow compared to when you were not taking it.
During the first few months of use, you may experience light bleeding outside the periods, known as spotting. But if these last longer than three months, talk to your healthcare professional.
Menstrual flow on the pill can also vary over time. Finally, if you have little or no bleeding during the discontinuation phase, even though you have taken your pack properly (no missed periods, late periods, vomiting or diarrhea), this is considered normal.
What should I do if I have painful bleeding on the pill?
Pain during menstruation is never normal. If you experience pain during your periods on the pill, consult your doctor. The first thing to check is that there is no risk of illness or pregnancy. A change of pill generation and hormone level may also be a good solution.
What alternatives are there to the pill that won't stop periods ?
Each person is different, and the body reacts differently to different types of contraception. For example, some generations of contraceptives or active ingredients, depending on dosage, will reduce the volume of bleeding, sometimes even stopping it altogether, while others will cause blood flow to approach that of naturalperiods .
There are natural contraceptive methods that don't stop menstruation, such as the copper IUD, which causes heavier blood loss. LImplants and hormonal IUDs can also stop menstrual flow.
What about the morning-after pill?
You've had high-risk sex and don't want to get pregnant: the morning-after pill before or after your periods, also known as hormonal emergency contraception, must be taken within 3 to 5 days. It's free, and minors don't need a prescription. Taking it starts the menstrual cycle, so it's normal for your periods to arrive more quickly after taking this pill!
FAQs on the pill and periods
When does periods arrive when you take the pill?
periods appear 2 to 3 days after lstopping the last hormonal tablet, i.e. after 21 days of use, during the 7-day stop or 7-day placebo period.
Does the pill reduce periods ?
Yes, periods on the pill, otherwise known as withdrawal bleeding, will tend to reduce blood flow as well as the duration of menstruation.
Can the pill prolong periods ?
Although menstrual periods, their intensity and duration may vary over time, they will usually be shorter and less abundant on the pill. Some women experience bleeding outside their menstrual periods. This is known as spotting.
You may also like :
- Contraceptive implant and periods : what are the effects after insertion?
- IUD and periods : what impact does this have on menstrual flow?
Shall we keep in touch?