Raise your hand if you’ve ever wished to skip your period! We think most of us ladies have wanted to do this at least once in our lives. Luckily, there is actually a safe and easy way to do it. Yup, our wishes have been heard, ladies!
Is it really safe?
You might be wondering what the dangers are of skipping your period, but doctors say that skipping periods is generally safe, and don’t pose much risk on your health. In fact, you can do it for several months in a row. It will also not affect the overall effectiveness of contraceptives.
The benefits
Some women skip their period using contraceptive methods because of the convenience of not having it, especially when traveling. Others choose to skip their period because of menstrual disorders, and also to prevent:
- anemia
- menstrual migraines
- acne breakouts
- mood swings
- heavy blood flow
- abdominal cramps
You’ll also be spending less money on personal hygiene products such as sanitary pads if you have fewer periods.
How to skip your period
Skipping your period will require you to use hormonal contraceptive methods. Remember, none of them can completely stop your periods forever. Also, these methods may cause breakthrough bleeding and sudden spotting between your periods. Strictly following the directions on proper use will lessen your chances of experiencing these.
Using Pills
Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) are the most widely used method for skipping periods. They contain two hormones (estrogen and progestin), and usually come in a pack of 28 — 21 active, hormone-containing pills, and 7 inactive pills.
To skip your period using the pills, you have to take the 21 active pills only. Take one (1) pill every day at around the same time. Start on a new pack immediately after the 21st pill. That means you need to consistently take just the active pills until you’re ready to have your period.
Pills are not usually recommended for women who smoke, are older than 35, or have high blood pressure. If you fall in any of these three descriptions, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider first before taking any contraceptive method.
Using injectables
Contraceptive injectables are one of the most effective ways to skip periods.
You might experience heavy bleeding at first. Your body eventually adjusts, and the bleeding eventually goes away. Almost 75% of women don’t get their periods after a year of using injectables, although breakthrough bleeding is common.
Injectables are taken every 90 days (three months). All you have to do is go to your healthcare provider to have your shot of injectable, then you’re all good. You just have to return to them after 90 days for your next shot.
Timing is very crucial to ensure the continuity of the injectables’ effectiveness. Take note of the date you had your shot, and when your next shot is due.
Which one is the best?
If you want to have fewer periods in a year, the pills may be a good option. But if you want to stop having periods for a long time, you may want to opt for the injectables. The most reliable way to find out which one is best for you is to speak to your doctor about it. They’ll recommend which one suits you according to your lifestyle, condition, and medical history.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322753
https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/skip-period-birth-control
https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-stop-period#1
