Birth Control-Regulating cycles

[February]

Question about birth control taken to regulate cycles-how does this even work?

I was on the pill a few years ago mainly for cramps and cycles that would always come late. However, since I’ve been off them, things went back to the way they were before. Does this usually happen? How would it be justified to take them to regulate your cycles–I would assume women trying to get pregnant might do this, but then when they stopped taking them, wouldn’t their cycles go back to how they were??

Personally, because of some health issues and a better understanding of my faith, I would never go near these pills again. I find some strong ibuprofen works just as well for cramps, and at this point, I could care less if I’m a few days off. But, some friends have brought up this issue and I could use some info. Thanks!

 

[Karin]

Usually having problems with your periods means that there is an underlying health problem

 

[apricot_yogurt]

I do not think that the pill could “regulate your cycles” at all. This is because taking the pill will give you an artificial cycle-your “period” will simply be a hormonal reaction to stopping the pill. If you took the pill without a break-i.e no dummy pills, you would not even have this “period”. It does not cure the underlying problem, just like ivf bypasses your fertility,and doesn’t cure it.

 

[February]

I do not think that the pill could “regulate your cycles” at all. This is because taking the pill will give you an artificial cycle-your “period” will simply be a hormonal reaction to stopping the pill. If you took the pill without a break-i.e no dummy pills, you would not even have this “period”. It does not cure the underlying problem, just like ivf bypasses your fertility,and doesn’t cure it.

that was my thinking…however, i have come across people (i think a few on these boards and other Catholic sites) that say they are on the pill to “regulate their cycle”, and that this is OK by the church. from my experience, i didn’t think that this would solve the problem, but hey, i’m not a dr. so i don’t know for sure.

 

[TAS2000]

Birth control pills do not regulate your cycle so much as they cover up the underlying problem. There ARE other alternatives, but most doctors will just automatically prescribe them pill as readily as they’d say, take some tylenol for a headache. You can get NON-contraceptive remedies to regulate your cycle, like progesterone. However, you may want to look into the reason WHY your periods are irregular. You could have PCOS, or a host of other things. BTW, having a cycle that is not 28 days doesn’t make you irregular. Some women have quite long cycles naturally.

So the arguement that its morally ok to take ABC to regulate your cycles is BULL plian and simple. It is ONE choice amoung many available, and when you have the choice, then you need to take it, not hide behind it.

 

[homewardbound]

I’m not sure about alternatives. I took BC for two years to help my periods, I was having severe cramps and my cycle was lasting almost two weeks…very heavy and painful.

I stopped using them back in May once I discovered the Churches teaching on this and realized my error. My mom urged me to stay on them since I’d be suffering without. But, since I’ve been off of them my cycles have been the same as they were when I was on them. Very few cramps and only lasting a few days! I believe maybe its God blessing me for obeying Him once I discovered how wrong it was(I was on them for more then my period unfortunately and have since taken a vow of chastity also)

Anyway, I doubt BC can regulate periods much better than anything else. I hope you have good luck in finding alternatives to help you! Pray much about it, God will guide you to an answer.

Take care!

 

[astegallrnc]

Does this usually happen? How would it be justified to take them to regulate your cycles–I would assume women trying to get pregnant might do this, but then when they stopped taking them, wouldn’t their cycles go back to how they were??

Personally, because of some health issues and a better understanding of my faith, I would never go near these pills again. I find some strong ibuprofen works just as well for cramps, and at this point, I could care less if I’m a few days off. But, some friends have brought up this issue and I could use some info. Thanks!

The pills “regulate” the cycle while you are taking them. Once you stop, you can assume your cylces will return to the previous pattern.

There are other options for regulating cycles, but please remember that not every one has access to medical care and prescription medications. I provided services to uninsured, low-income women, and there really are women who do not have access to these options. I grew up below poverty level and know my parents struggles when health care was needed. But, with the potential price war for prescription meds, this could change.

Autumn