CHOOSING WHEN TO HAVE YOUR PERIOD
Birth control pills can enable a woman to have more control of her body. Taking the pill is associated with decreased menstrual blood loss, and little or no cramps. A woman can also control the timing of her cycle. There are also other benefits of being on the pill.
Women on birth control pills have menstrual periods that are more regular, lighter, shorter and less painful. The reduction in the loss of blood and iron can lead to an increased blood count. Even a 5% or 10% increase is significant and particularly important for endurance.
Most women notice changes in their abilities with their menstrual cycle. These changes can involve strength, endurance, coordination, fine motor skills and/or mental attitude. Scientific studies have shown that most women perform best right after a menstrual period. The advantage of being on the pill is that you control when your period will come and you can arrange to have it finish just before an important event. Your honeymoon would definitely qualify as an important event.
All birth control pills have three weeks of active (real) pills and one week of placebos (blanks). These numbers were chosen so that women would have periods every four weeks which is about the usual frequency. The key is that you can vary the number of active pills over a wide range, but should keep the placebos at seven days or less. It's most convenient to take a number of full weeks of active pills, then a week of placebos. Take 3, 4 or 5 weeks of active pills, then a week of placebos to have a period.
It's possible to take pills for only 2 weeks or for more than 5 weeks, and you can take less than seven days of placebos. You can discuss these options with your gynecologist or family planning clinic. The best birth control pills for women athletes have norgestrel as their progestational ingredient. They have the least chance of causing nausea. They are not the best for the complexion. These include: Alesse, LevLite, Lo/Ovral, Nordette, Levlen, Tri-Levlen and Triphasil.
The best choices for entertainers, dancers, models or pageant contestants are Zovia 1/35, Desogen and Demulen 1/35. These are best for your complexion and for not gaining weight. Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Orthocept and Ortho Cyclen are also O.K., but are often the most expensive, and they are no better than the other three.
A very small percentage of women should not take birth control pills. Your health care provider can determine if you are a good candidate for their use.