Risks of Skipping Periods

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-05-2004
Risks of Skipping Periods
1
Mon, 10-25-2004 - 1:34am
I was just wondering what the risks are of taking the pill for two months straight without taking the placebo pills, therefore making you skip your period. I know it says it's not healthy, but if I do it twice in a row, am I at any risks for anything?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 10-25-2004 - 7:30am
It's not healthy? Better tell the people taking Seasonale! ;) There's nothing wrong with skipping the placebo pills to skip a period, women who are using Seasonale will only have a period four times a year (the minimum number currently considered "safe").

The biggest risk you'd have to worry about would be breakthrough bleeding from the extended length of the cycle. Your next period may be heavier and crampier, but there's nothing long-term to worry about. Generally we advise women to check with their doctors if they're concerned, but it's pretty common practice.

Good luck! Remember--not every woman can successfully skip periods on every pill, some pills will work better for some than others, you'll just have to check out your pill and see if it works. Your best bet is with a monophasic pill where all the pills are the same dose. If you're on a triphasic pill, you might do better taking an additional week 3 out of a spare pack, but skipping altogether might not go so well because of the hormone drop to get from week 3 to week 1.

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control