Hormonal birth control options that offer fewer periods have the same hormones found in traditional monthly birth control products. And women like you have been taking these same hormones and experiencing "Pill periods" safely for over 40 years.

What is a “Pill period?”

When you’re on a birth control pill, patch, or vaginal ring (or any other hormonal birth control product), the period you get every month isn’t a real period. It’s what’s called a “Pill” period.

When you take a birth control pill, you don't have a menstrual cycle—your body doesn't prepare for pregnancy because you don't ovulate. As a result, your uterine lining doesn’t build up much, so there’s no need to shed it.

This is the reason you don’t need to bleed every month when you take the Pill.

With fewer periods, what will each period be like?

Your periods would be the same with hormonal birth control for fewer periods as they would be if you were using a traditional monthly birth control option, which is usually lighter and shorter than your normal menstrual period.

Read more about the pros and cons of having fewer periods.

© 2006 Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Duramed is a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

This site is intended for residents of the United States only.

Birth control pills have serious risks, which can be life threatening. They include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Smoking increases these risks, especially if you are over 35, so Pill users should not smoke. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, weight gain, breast tenderness, and difficulty wearing contact lenses.

Some women should not take the Pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who could be pregnant. The Pill does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

© 2006 Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.  Duramed is a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.