Menstrual suppression
Menstrual Suppression is a medical practice that involves the use of hormonal contraceptives to eliminate or reduce the frequency of menstruation. This practice is often used for women who experience heavy or painful periods, or for those who simply prefer to menstruate less frequently.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Menstrual suppression involves the use of hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and hormonal implants, to reduce or eliminate menstrual bleeding. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including to manage heavy or painful periods, to avoid menstruation for personal or lifestyle reasons, or to treat conditions such as endometriosis or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Methods[edit | edit source]
There are several methods of menstrual suppression, including:
- Continuous use of hormonal contraceptives: This involves taking hormonal contraceptives continuously, without the usual week-long break that is typically included in a monthly cycle. This can be done with birth control pills, vaginal rings, or hormonal patches.
- Extended-cycle hormonal contraceptives: These are specifically designed to reduce the frequency of periods to only a few times a year. They include products such as Seasonale, Seasonique, and Lybrel.
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs): These include IUDs and hormonal implants, which can significantly reduce or eliminate menstrual bleeding.
Risks and Benefits[edit | edit source]
There are several potential benefits to menstrual suppression, including reduced menstrual pain and bleeding, fewer periods, and improved quality of life. However, there are also potential risks, including breakthrough bleeding, changes in mood or libido, and potential long-term effects on bone health.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Menstruation
- Hormonal Contraceptives
- Birth Control Pills
- Vaginal Rings
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
- Hormonal Implants
- Endometriosis
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
