Should You Worry If Your Period Stops on Birth Control?
When it comes to birth control, there are so many choices. We’ll work closely with you to help determine which one is right for you. But what if your period stops on birth control? Is skipping a period on birth control cause for alarm, and when does it mean you should schedule an appointment with us?
“For many women, periods are not just inconvenient to deal with, but can cause severe pain, nausea, headaches, and heavy bleeding,” said Dr. Cynamon Chawla. “Sometimes these symptoms are so severe, women may miss work, school or important social events. Having the ability to skip periods with birth control is not only safe, but can provide women freedom from these issues and allow them a higher quality life”
Does Your Period Stop on Birth Control?
It can, but this varies greatly depending on what type of birth control you use. Generally speaking, hormonal methods are more likely to affect your period than non-hormonal methods. Skipping a period on birth control isn’t unusual. (We go into detail about hormonal vs. non-hormonal birth control later in this article.)
Should I Worry if My Period Stops While I Am NOT On Birth Control?
The first consideration if your period stops would be to take a pregnancy test. While the birth control methods we suggest are highly effective, pregnancy can always be a remote possibility.
Next, we suggest that you schedule an appointment with us. We want to be sure of the source of your amenorrhea (That’s the medical term for not having a period for a while.) Other conditions can cause your period to stop, such as:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid issues
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Changes in weight
- Certain medications (But don’t stop taking any medications without speaking to your doctor first!)
Even excessive stress can cause your period to stop.
Which Types of Birth Control Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycles?
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control–like the pill or the patch–can affect menstrual cycles.
Birth control pills present you with many options. Some extended-cycle regimens can stop your bleeding, while those packaged as 21 days of hormonal pills and 7 days of inactive ones will make you have a cycle that is more regulated.
Other methods of hormonal birth control that can cause lighter periods or even cause your period to stop include:
- Patches
- Injections
- Implants
- Hormonal IUDs
- NuvaRing
Non-hormonal Birth Control
Some forms of birth control, primarily non-hormonal methods, have a minimal impact on your cycle.
For example, if you use the copper IUD it will not interfere with the timing of your menstruation (since it can make your periods heavier) . Hormonal IUDs will have more of an impact.
Barrier methods such as condoms or diaphragms will not stop your period. However, you should always evaluate the effectiveness of all birth control methods, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
We Can Help You Decide Which Birth Control Is Right for You
We know you have more choices than ever when it comes to birth control, and it can become confusing—especially when there is a lot of misinformation on the internet.
That’s why we’re your best resource for answers. We know when it comes to birth control, no one way is best for everyone. You can explore this topic more in-depth in our earlier article, “What’s the Best Birth Control For You?”
Is It Safe to Regulate Your Period Using Birth Control?
Let’s be clear: It is safe to miss periods or skip periods with birth control. There are no health risks to using birth control to skip periods, but you should consult with one of our OBGYNs to see how to best accomplish that and the best birth control method for you.
We understand that irregular periods and heavy periods are not just inconvenient–they have a dramatic impact on your life and well-being. Therefore, if you have any problems with your period–whether it’s irregular or heavy or even if the bleeding is light—we want to see you.
Worried About Your Period? Don’t Wait to Get Help! Contact Our OBGYNs in Raleigh Today
For decades, we’ve been dedicated to treating Raleigh patients. We want to be a partner in your care, and we believe the only way to do that is to spend time with our patients. You’ll never feel rushed at our practice, and we promise to answer any questions or concerns that you have.
We also care about your overall health, and we believe it’s vital to treat minor health issues before they turn into major problems.
If you’re concerned about your period, or if you’re wondering what type of birth control is right for you, contact us today for an appointment.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
