Pros & Cons of Fewer Periods

Advantages of fewer periods
For some women, there can be several health advantages to having fewer periods, such as reducing painful periods, heavy periods, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Other benefits may include a decrease in menstrual migraines, endometriosis, and acne, and an increase in the feeling of well-being.

For other women, the convenience of having fewer periods is the primary advantage.

Fewer periods can mean making fewer trips to the pharmacy to refill a prescription for birth control, spending less money for tampons or maxi pads, and taking fewer pain medications to cope with common “Pill period” symptoms.

Disadvantages of fewer periods
As there are advantages to having fewer periods, there are also disadvantages. Side effects associated with hormonal birth control methods with fewer periods are similar to those of other hormonal birth control methods.

Most side effects are not serious. The most common are nausea, vomiting, bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, weight gain, breast tenderness, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Some of these side effects, especially nausea and vomiting, may subside within the first 3 months of use.

It’s common for women to experience some spotting or breakthrough bleeding as they adjust to a new hormonal birth control method, especially in the first 3 months. It’s similar with hormonal birth control methods that offer fewer periods. This can be slight to a flow like a regular period and should decrease over time.

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.