From the Guidelines
Women in their reproductive years can take continuous oral combination pills, which means taking active hormone pills without a break for an extended period, as this approach is medically acceptable and can benefit women who experience severe menstrual symptoms, endometriosis, or simply prefer fewer periods 1.
Benefits of Continuous Oral Combination Pills
The continuous regimen works by maintaining stable hormone levels that prevent ovulation and keep the uterine lining thin, thereby reducing or eliminating monthly bleeding.
- Common continuous pill regimens include brands like Seasonale, Seasonique, and Amethyst, which provide hormones for 84 days followed by 7 days of placebo or low-dose estrogen pills, resulting in only four periods per year.
- Some women may take active pills continuously without any breaks, eliminating periods entirely.
Considerations for Use
Side effects are similar to traditional birth control pills, though breakthrough bleeding is common initially.
- Women should consult with their healthcare provider before starting this regimen, as individual health factors may influence whether continuous oral contraceptives are appropriate for their specific situation 1.
Important Health Considerations
It is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of continuous oral combination pills, particularly in women with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, obesity, or a history of cardiovascular disease 1.
- Women with these conditions should discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
CONTRAINDICATIONS Oral contraceptives should not be used in women who currently have the following conditions The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Continuous Oral Combination Pills for Women in Reproductive Stage
- Women in the reproductive stage can take continuous oral combination pills as a form of contraception, with studies showing that this method is safe and effective 2, 3.
- The use of continuous oral combination pills can reduce the number of bleeding episodes, as well as problems with bloating and dysmenorrhea 2, 4.
- Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, may be beneficial for some women and can be achieved through the use of continuous oral combination pills 2, 4.
- Studies have shown that women who use continuous oral combination pills experience more unscheduled spotting and bleeding in the initial cycles, but these problems decrease with longer use 2, 3.
- The avoidance of menstruation through extended or continuous administration of combination oral contraceptives has gained legitimacy through its use in treating endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menstruation-associated symptoms 3.
Benefits of Continuous Oral Combination Pills
- Improved compliance and satisfaction with contraception 3.
- Fewer menstrual symptoms, such as headaches, genital irritation, tiredness, bloating, and menstrual pain 3.
- Less menstruation-related absenteeism from work or school 3.
- Reduced bleeding days and spotting 4.
- Similar safety profiles and contraceptive efficacy compared to traditional cyclic dosing 3.
Studies on Continuous Oral Combination Pills
- A study published in 2007 found that counseling women about all their contraceptive options, including continuous oral combination pills, can increase women's commitment to correct use and increase efficacy 2.
- A Cochrane review published in 2005 found that continuously administered combination oral contraceptives have equivalent efficacy and safety, but improved bleeding profiles, amenorrhea rates, adherence, continuation, participant satisfaction, and menstrual symptoms compared to cyclic dosing 3.
- A study published in 2003 found that continuous use of a low-estrogen dose combination oral birth control pill resulted in significantly fewer bleeding days 4.