Go With the Flow: Birth Control & Your Menstrual Cycle

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For many women, a regular menstrual cycle is a sign that their reproductive health is in good order. A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy, hormonal imbalance or even a serious disease. However, many forms of birth control have an effect on the menstrual cycle. It’s important to know what those effects are so you know when an irregular period is cause for concern.

What is a Normal Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. The length of a menstrual cycle varies considerably between women. Cycles can range from 21 to 35 days, with 28 days being considered the average length.

Many women will see a variation in their menstrual cycles, with some being longer and others shorter. Periods with variations of less than eight days between the longest and shortest cycles are considered to be regular.

Menarche, or the first menstrual cycle, generally starts between the ages of 11 and 15. It is normal for teenagers to have longer cycles that last between 21 and 45 days.

As a woman ages, her cycle tends to shorten and become more regular.

As menopause nears, her cycles will get longer and eventually stop. The onset of menopause usually occurs somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55.

The Effect of Birth Control on Your Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control methods work by mimicking the hormones that occur naturally during a woman’s reproductive cycle and using them to either prevent ovulation or thicken the cervical mucus. Because of this, they almost always have an effect on your menstrual cycle.

  • The Pill: Some women take the pill to straighten out an irregular menstrual cycle. However, the pill doesn’t actually induce menstruation. In reality, it suppresses the normal menstrual cycle. The bleeding that occurs during the week you take the placebo pill is known as withdrawal bleeding. When the input of artificial hormones stops, the uterine lining is shed. When you use the pill, you no longer have a true menstrual cycle. In fact, if you forgo use of the sugar pills and continue to take the hormones, you will stop bleeding altogether.
  • The Patch: The Ortho Evra patch works much the same way birth control pills do, therefore the effect on your menstrual cycle is the same. The patch suppresses the menstrual cycle and mimics menstruation during the “off week” when the patch is not worn.
  • The Shot: The most common side effect of the Depo-Provera shot is a change in the menstrual cycle. Irregular bleeding and spotting is widely reported. About 50% of women stop having their periods after one year of use.
  • The Hormonal IUD: The hormonal IUD Mirena reduces menstrual bleeding by up to 90%. It has the added effect of reducing cramps as well. Eventually, some women will stop having a menstrual cycle altogether.

 

Non-Hormonal IUD

Paragard is a copper based IUD and contains no hormones. Since copper is a natural spermicide, It works by damaging the sperm’s motility and viability.

It is not unusual for spotting to occur between periods during the first months of use. The copper based IUD increases the blood flow during menstruation. Because of this, some women experiencing heavy bleeding and cramping.

Emergency Contraception

Progestin-only emergency contraceptives, like Plan B or Next Choice, can have an effect on the length of your monthly menstrual cycle. Your next period may arrive as much as a week earlier or later than usual. Although a late period is a not unusual, it may be a good idea to take a pregnancy test just to be sure.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Besides having an impact on your menstrual cycle, many birth controls can have serious side effects. It’s important to be aware of these side effects and what changes to watch out for. Some companies, such as Mirena, are facing lawsuits for failing to disclose potential risks to patients.

When it comes to your period, talk to your doctor if:

  • You notice a significant change in your cycle.
  • Have periods that are exceptionally heavy.
  • Have pelvic pain that is not from your period.
  • Have three or more periods that last longer than seven days.

 

As well educated women, it’s essential that we know what we’re putting in our bodies. Modern birth control is a wonderful tool, so let’s continue to use it safely!

Madeline Ferdinand is a freelance writer for DrugNews. She enjoys running, baking and attending music festivals.

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