New Pill Could Delay Women’s Periods
Posted July 5, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new birth control pill is giving women the option of having only four periods a year. Health Canada has just approved “Seasonale”, an oral contraceptive that gives women more control over their menstrual cycle.
“We know it’s quite safe to have a period less often and in fact for some women it may be healthier,” explained obstetrician/gynecologist Amanda Black.
Most women live comfortably with their monthly period and are satisfied that they’re bodies are working as they should, but a recent survey shows a majority of Canadian women are open to the idea of not getting the monthly visitor.
An Ottawa teacher says migraines make her period a drag on her professional and personal life every month. “The idea of having my period once a season sounds pretty fantastic to me,” said Caroline Fortin.
CityNews Medical Specialist Dr. Karl Kabasele said active women or those with debilitating periods will embrace Seasonale, “From the mood swings of PMS to cramps to excessive bleeding during their period, all of that would be reduced because the woman would only have it four times a year.”
But not everyone’s convinced that’s it’s safe to manipulate a menstrual cycle, “Some days that sounds great. Other days I have to think about it more,” remarks Alison Watson, a registered nurse.
Doctors said no oral contraceptive, including Seansonale, is safe for women over the age of 35 who smoke. The pill increases the risk of heart attacks, blood clots and strokes in older women that light up.
