May 25, 2007 (Insidermedicine) The “no period” birth control pill will soon be available for women who want to skip their monthly menstrual period, but there are some associated inconveniences say researchers in a report published in the journal Contraception.

Women taking oral contraceptives have what is called withdrawal bleeding during the seven days they are off active hormones. This newest contraceptive, called Lybrel, contains a lower dose of synthetic hormones than traditional oral contraceptives, and is taken 365 days a year with no placebo pills. The usual regimen for oral contraceptives is 21 days on active hormones and seven days off each month to imitate a 28-day monthly cycle, complete with uterine bleeding.

Birth control pills designed to limit uterine bleeding to just four times a year are already on the market in the US, but Lybrel is the first oral contraceptive designed to eliminate periods altogether. It is estimated that around 100 million women worldwide would use this form of birth control, with nearly 12 million of them in the US.

In a study to assess the safety and effectiveness of Lybrel, more than 2,400 women aged 18 to 49 were followed for one year. It was found that the frequency of unscheduled bleeding or spotting decreases the longer a woman remains continuously taking the pill. As well, Lybrel does not delay a return to fertility and normal menstruation after discontinuing the pill.

Like other oral contraceptives, Lybrel is only effective if used as directed and is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Women who smoke are at an increased risk these serious cardiovascular problems. When considering the use of Lybrel, women should weigh the convenience of no regular menstruation with the inconvenience of unscheduled bleeding and the risk of serious side effects.

Reporting for Insidermedicine, I’m Maria Radina.