How to choose birth control for irregular periods

If you suffer with irregular periods you will know just how frustrating it can be. You can never anticipate or prepare for bleeding, you can suffer more regularly with abdominal cramping, and for some women it means that conceiving is a lot more difficult.

Irregular periods are extremely common. In fact 90% of females will experience irregular bleeding before they reach menopause, when irregular periods are expected and serve as the first sign that they are making the transition from reproductive to non-reproductive. However, irregular periods will differ for each woman because each woman’s cycle can vary so much, but all will be characterized by infrequent or too frequent periods, missed periods, a change in blood flow, and an abnormal duration of bleeding. Due to the inconvenience and distress that irregular periods can cause, women often seek a way to take control. Birth control is an obvious treatment choice, but why and how should you decide on a certain kind of birth control? Read on and learn more.

How to choose a birth control method for combating your irregular periods?

If you want to use birth control as a way of controlling your periods, then you must consider the various hormonal birth control methods that are available to you. Some have a large impact on your menstrual cycle, some have less so, and you should decide on a method depending on what type of irregular bleeding you are experiencing.

Birth control pill

A combined pill of estrogen and progesterone which is taken for 21 days. During the seven day pill break, bleeding will occur. The pill manipulates your natural hormones meaning you don’t ovulate, and therefore any bleeding that occurs in the pill break is “withdrawal bleeding” induced by the withdrawal of synthetic hormones in the seven days. It is easy to predict when bleeding will occur. You can choose to not have a hormone-free break and therefore you won’t bleed at all.

The mini-pill

A progesterone only pill which is taken continuously over the month, without a break. Ovulation still occurs and therefore you still have a monthly period, but overtime they should become more regular. However, spotting and a change in blood flow are likely before this happens.

The patch

A sticky patch that is placed directly on the skin and releases estrogen and progesterone into the body, preventing ovulation. Three patches are worn during the monthly cycle and then you have a “withdrawal bleed” in the fourth week. However, heavier or lighter bleeding is likely. You can choose to not have a hormone-free break and therefore you won’t bleed at all.

Vaginal ring

A flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina for three out of the four week cycle. It releases estrogen and progesterone into the body, preventing ovulation. It is likely to ease cramping and bleeding should be lighter. You can choose to not have a hormone-free break and therefore you won’t bleed at all.

The implant

A small rod that is placed under the skin of a woman’s upper arm for up to three years. It consistently releases progesterone into the system meaning the menstrual cycle can be manipulated. Periods will become lighter and more regular. Some women’s periods will stop altogether.

The IUS

a small T shaped device that is inserted into the woman’s uterus for up to five years. The device releases progesterone into the system, manipulating the blood flow. Periods will often become very regular or stop altogether, but you may experience irregular bleeding for the first three to six months.

Recommendation

Most methods of hormonal birth control will be able to manipulate your monthly bleed and make your cycle more regular, but it may take a few months for the new, more regular cycle to kick in because it can take some time for the body to get use to the new hormones. Using hormonal birth control is not an option if you are trying to get pregnant. You should talk to your doctor about ways to improve the chances of conception without hormonal influences. For more information on irregular periods, follow this link.