Menstrual Disorders - Medications

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In all cases, women continue to menstruate, but their periods are lighter, shorter, more regular, and less painful than bleeding in women who are not on the pill. The monophasic regimen is the most studied regimen and at this time is preferred. Yasmin, one of the monophasic forms, contains drospirenone, a progestin that resembles the natural form. Studies suggest that it may help reduce dysmenorrhea as well as premenstrual symptoms. There appears to be no major differences in bleeding control between the monophasic and biphasic regimens. One analysis found better bleeding control with the triphasic than the biphasic, which may have due to the specific progestins used (levonorgestrel in the triphasic regimen and norethindrone in the biphasic regimens).

Some researchers are investigating continuous oral contraceptives, either by extending a monophasic regimen or by using specific drugs such as Seasonale, which contains estrogen and levonorgestrel. This approach produces a period only about every 3 months. Continuous OCs have the potential for helping women with either heavy bleeding, painful periods, or both. Breakthrough bleeding is the most common side effect. In fact, although there are fewer actual bleeding days with the continuous OC, total days of spotting plus bleeding are no different from other OCs regimens. In one study, women were equally satisfied with both the continuous and standard OC regimens. This approach is not suitable for women who frequently miss taking their pills. Long-term effects of steady hormone use are not known, and continuous contraceptives are still in trials.

Estrogen and progestin each cause different side effects. Uncommon but more dangerous complications of OCs include high blood pressure and deep-vein blood clots (thrombosis), which may contribute to heart attacks or strokes. However, a long-term study of 46,000 women found no difference in mortality rates between women who took OCs and those who did not. The most serious side effects are due to the estrogen in the combined pill. Women at risk can usually take progestin-only contraceptives.