In the second part of my post on how the pill works and the myths surrounding its use, we will look at the tests that should be carried out when taking it, its contraindications, and focus on the pill that suspends the cycle.
What tests should be done while taking the pill?
While taking the contraceptive pill, regular blood tests are not necessary. However, there are some exceptions and checks that need to be made.
- Laboratory tests: these may only be necessary if there are particular conditions such as dyslipidaemia (changes in blood fat levels) or diabetes.
- Periodic check-ups – It is recommended to have a medical check-up about four months after starting to take the pill, at which time the gynaecologist will be able to:
- check for any symptoms of contraindications or side effects
- address any queries and correct any errors in the use of the pill
- check for any changes in blood pressure
- monitor changes in body weight
What are the possible side effects of the pill?
The pill should always be used under medical supervision due to the possible side effects, and because it is not suitable for everyone — especially those with the risk factors I have listed.
The most common mild side effects include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain, and changes in mood and libido. In rare cases, especially among those at risk, the pill can cause more serious problems, such as deep vein thrombosis, stroke, liver problems and, in very rare cases, benign liver cancer.
It is the gynaecologist’s responsibility to carefully assess the patient’s family and personal history in order to identify any risk factors that could make taking the pill unsafe.
There is also a progestin-only contraceptive pill, which works by thickening the cervical mucus and creating an environment in the endometrium that is hostile to implantation. This pill is suitable for those who cannot take combined contraceptives containing oestrogen.
The period-blocking pill: why it is recommended
The menstruation caused by the pill is false, so it can safely be avoided. This is because it is not the result of a hormonal process related to ovary function, but simply the result of mild endometrial stimulation by the pill itself.
For many, blocking the menstrual cycle with the pill can be an effective and safe solution that contributes to a better quality of life. As always, it is essential to consult a gynaecologist before starting any treatment to assess your health and needs carefully and make the most suitable choice.
It is important to know that stopping menstruation using hormones (with regular contraceptive pills, either estro-progestin or progesterone-only, by skipping the seven-day break, or with specific period-stopping pills) is safe and poses no health risks.
The cycle-suppressing pill can also help treat menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea) and other cycle-related issues. It can reduce tissue inflammation and thus benefit a woman’s general health.
Today women experience around 400 menstrual cycles throughout their fertile years, which last from 30 to 35 years. This is much more than in the past. This can increase the risk of conditions such as endometriosis, anaemia and endometrial diseases. Having fewer or no cycles can reduce stress on the body.
The false problem of the pill break: another myth to dispel
Many women believe that it is necessary to stop taking the contraceptive pill for a few months to allow the ovaries to recover or to ‘cleanse’ the body. However, this practice is not only useless, it can also be harmful.
So why is taking a break wrong?
- It increases your risk of unwanted pregnancy, particularly if you are sexually active and used to taking the pill daily.
- It slightly increases the risk of thrombosis, affecting 5 to 7 out of every 10,000 cases. This risk is higher in the first three months of taking the pill than in subsequent months. Continually stopping and then starting the pill again means you are unnecessarily starting each time from those three months of increased risk.
It is best to take the pill continuously for as long as it is needed, without unnecessary interruptions, even for many years. For example, it has been shown that taking the pill for over 10 years during the fertile years between 16 and 27 reduces the risk of ovarian cancer later in life by 50%, as well as counteracting diseases such as endometriosis.
To request a medical consultation or simply to book a gynaecological examination you can contact me here or book online. As an obstetrician gynaecologist I receive my patients every week in my offices in Milan and Florence.