Pill to put off period?

[canuck_kate]

I'm currently on the Pill as a method of birth control and to regulate my periods, but I still experience severe cramps during that time of the month. Come September, I will be going to Europe to backpack for a few months, and would LOVE to not have to deal with changing tampons and period cramps during my trip. I've heard that it can be safe for a woman to take birth control pills throughout the month without a break for her period, therefore stopping it from happening? I was wondering if anyone had any further insight on how this works or if it is in fact safe. Thanks a lot!

[Brandye]

This topic has been raised a few times. Let me hit the highlights. There are "pills" in development that will allow you to reduce to a few periods per year. Many women have controlled their timing using the pill. Also, Olympic records have been set, personal bests achieved and other great things by women during menstruation.

You are on the pill because of dysmenorhea and the pill is controlling that but not as well as you might like. Messing with the pill is messing with your endocrine system, your hormonal balance. In your position, you should discuss this with your prescribing physician. Some pills seem more amenable to this use than others; with already difficult periods, she may have some other input.

If you do, remember that when you finally stop you will need another dependable form of birth control until things get straightened out again. Please do not simply do this on your own.

[girlygirl]

Depo-Provera (the shot) is supposed to stop menstruation after about a year. I believe this happens to most but not all women on this form of birth control. You might talk to your doctor about switching to Depo-Provera. As Brandye said, you should not experiment with your medication without first discussing it with your doctor.

[Junocozmos]

I think Brandye is so invaluable to this bored I wont even try to add onto her post
I will tell you my personal opion tho.
I cant see how messing with your body and her natural mentral cycle can ever be any good. Be careful. And you should definately talk to your Doctor first.
Live life.
Good luck.
And have a great time in Europe!!!