Periods can cause a broad spectrum of sighs for women at ‘that time of the month’. For some, it’s a sigh of relief as they’re reassured of non-pregnant status. For others, it’s a sign of unimaginable pain as the shedding of one’s uterus cascades into a smorgasbord of cramps, headaches, mood swings and nausea. Then we have the unfortunate few sighing in absolute disappointment when served a Bloody Mary on their annual vacation. And, no, we’re not talking about the cocktail here – holidaying on your period is the worst!
As women, not one of us signed up for a monthly crime scene in our knickers. But, thankfully, the pill understands us. Helping us out once again with the power to control our future, the pill is our #1 sidekick when skipping, delaying or stopping periods altogether. It literally makes the possibility of bypassing our monthlies a reality, and we are so bloody here for it! So, whatever your reason for ditching your period, grab a pen and notepad as we take you through a crash course on how to skip your period using the pill. Just remember to check in with your doctor regarding any concerns, first.
First up, how does the pill work?
When you sign up for the pill, you’ll receive one of two options; the combined oral combination pill (COCP) or the progestin-only pill (POP). Both pills work by preventing ovulation, however the combination pill contains a synthetic mix of estrogen and progesterone (progestin) while the mini pill contains progestin only. The difference is that while both oral contraceptive pills thicken the mucus to stop sperm swimming through, only the combination pill steps protection up a notch by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs.
A course of the oral contraceptive pill runs on a 21:7 schedule, meaning you take the active pills for a 21-day stint followed by a seven-day stint on the inactive pills. If everything goes according to plan, those seven days are when you’ll experience your bleeding.
How do you skip a period using the pill?
If you’re on the COCP or POP, using the pill to skip your period is super easy. Simply take the hormonally active pills for their usual 21-days, then skip the seven placebo pills before starting a fresh round of the active pills (aka back-to-back active pills for a period- skipping win). If you’re trying to delay your period a few days, continue to take the active pills until you’re ready to ride the crimson waves. Your period will flow once you stop taking the hormonal pills.
Is it safe to skip your period using the pill?
Cyclic bleeding isn’t essential, so skipping your period using the pill is generally a safe practice. Breakthrough bleeding is always a risk with hormonal contraception, so despite your best efforts to skip, delay or stop a period, you may still experience a light shed or spotting. This will vary from person-to-person based on numerous health factors and personal anatomy. On par with any medically driven lifestyle changes, check in with your doctor for a final confirmation on whether it’s safe for you to skip your period.
