We often hear wrongly that the pill "regulates" the menstrual cycle. But is it completely true? We know that it is not always easy to sort through the information about the contraceptive pill. You probably have questions about it and would like to know how the pill really works to help you make an informed choice. We untangle all that in this article:
What is the contraceptive pill? 🤔
The birth control pill is a hormonal form of contraception that uses synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. Most birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin.
How does the menstrual cycle work? 🩸
Before getting into the heart of the matter, it is important to understand how the menstrual cycle works. Every new moon, the woman's body prepares to release an egg to be fertilized in order to welcome the possible arrival of a baby thanks to a chain of actions orchestrated by the brain, ovaries and hormones. In the event that there has been no fertilization, the uterus naturally eliminates the egg and the uterine lining... and this is when menstruation begins.
How does the pill work? 💊
Let's also go back to basics. The primary purpose of the pill is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Thus, the synthetic hormones present in the contraceptive pill suppress the release of the egg by the ovaries, thus preventing fertilization by a sperm. These synthetic hormones will therefore stop the natural functioning of the sex hormones and will take over in order to imitate the menstrual cycle and cause "false periods".
So why am I bleeding? 💊 +🩸
As we mentioned, synthetic hormones will suppress ovulation and keep the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) in a stable state, which prevents the egg from forming and implanting. When you take the placebo pills, which do not contain active hormones, the hormone levels in your body decrease, which triggers the endometrial shedding and leads to the artificial bleeding.
However, these withdrawal bleeds are artificial and are not the same as natural menstruation. It is the body's response to the decrease in hormone levels that causes these bleeds. They are different from normal periods in terms of flow, duration and regularity. It is important to remember that without ovulation, there can be no period, nor a regular menstrual cycle.
How long does the menstrual cycle last on the pill? 🗓
A woman's natural menstrual cycle can vary in length from person to person, typically ranging from 21 to 35 days. However, most birth control pills are designed to follow a regular 28-day pattern, consisting of 21 days of taking "active" pills followed by a period of taking "placebo" (or hormone-free) pills to follow the artificial period.
Be aligned with your decision 💡
Very often, the contraceptive pill is prescribed for reasons other than its primary function: to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It is very often administered in cases of PCOS, fibroids or endometriosis to help reduce symptoms (acne, heavy periods, menstrual pain, irregularity, etc.). It is on a case-by-case basis.
It is therefore important to understand how the pill works and its side effects, to allow each woman to make an informed choice according to her condition, her values and her needs. Each woman is unique. The best contraception is the one you have deliberately chosen that respects your body and your values.
This article is intended to be informative, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to discuss the different contraceptive options available and find the method that best suits your needs, your health and your lifestyle.
