Continuous birth control pills, such as Amethyst and those that came before it, have changed the game when it comes to controlling one’s reproductive health. These pills work to deliver a constant amount of hormones daily, doing away with the usual placebo week and, in some instances, putting an end to periods altogether. Though the idea might sound foreign to some, there’s science and sense behind it.
How Does Continuous Birth Control Work?
Long-acting birth control pills, like Amethyst, have two hormones: levonorgestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. The two hormones act together to suppress ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary. Since ovulation is not occurring, menstruation—the shedding of the lining of the uterus—is not taking place. Any bleeding that occurs while one is on these pills is referred to as withdrawal bleeding, which results from variations in hormone levels but not the natural menstrual cycle.
Compared to older birth control pills, with a week of placebo pills for withdrawal bleeding, continuous pills skip this entirely. By maintaining constant hormone levels, users can avoid the monthly bleeding altogether. Research has shown that approximately 60% of users experience amenorrhea (no bleeding) in the first year of use.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some are concerned with the safety of eliminating periods. But professionals have explained that there are no health reasons why people must get a monthly period. In reality, the bleeding during the placebo week of usual birth control pills was put in for psychological and cultural rather than medical reasons.
For those who are worried about playing with the menstrual cycle, all hormonal methods of birth control manipulate the natural cycle to some degree. Continuous pills merely extend this manipulation to do away with the placebo week. Doctors have been instructing patients for years how to safely avoid their periods using traditional pills, and continuous pills make it simpler.
Benefits of Continuous Birth Control
Continuous birth control has many advantages over preventing pregnancy. For many, the removal of menstruation can dramatically reduce symptoms like painful cramps, heavy bleeding, and premenstrual syndrome. This can be of great benefit for patients with diseases like endometriosis or epilepsy, whose hormonal fluctuations worsen the disease.
Moreover, persistent pills can treat acne by balancing hormones that are responsible for causing skin problems. They can also save individuals money on products and medications associated with periods since the demand for such products decreases.
Possible Disadvantages
While it has its benefits, ongoing birth control is not without its downsides. Some users may develop breakthrough spotting or bleeding, especially during the first few months of use. While this typically resolves over time, it can be frustrating for those expecting a period-free experience.
Another is that a missed period cannot be trusted to signal pregnancy. Since periods do not occur, users need to be mindful of identifying other pregnancy signs and be strict with taking their pills every day so that effectiveness may be ensured.
For individuals who smoke, are over age 35, or have illnesses like high blood pressure or diabetes, the risks associated with hormonal birth control, including blood clots and cardiovascular issues, may be higher. It is crucial to discuss these concerns with a medical provider before starting any type of birth control.
A Look at the History
The idea of continuous birth control is not new. Lybrel, the first extended-cycle pill to be approved for 365 days of use, set the stage for products such as Amethyst. While Lybrel was discontinued in 2014 due to financial concerns, its generic forms are still readily available and still provide the same advantages.
What to Expect
When initiating continuous birth control, some breakthrough bleeding or spotting is normal. This is not a part of the regular fertility cycle, but an adjustment to the body adapting to the constant levels of hormones. With time, most users discover that bleeding lessens or stops altogether.
For women considering ongoing birth control, it’s a good idea to balance the advantages and disadvantages and talk with a healthcare professional to see if it’s the best option for their situation.
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