Lybrel: The Birth Control that Eliminates a Woman's Menstrual Cycle - Is it Really Safe?

The FDA has approved a new birth control pill. This birth control pill will eliminate a woman's menstrual cycle. This new form of contraceptive is called Lybrel. This pill is taken daily like other contraceptives. It continuously administers slightly lower dosages of the same hormones found in many birth control pills. This pill is designed for women who have very painful periods or for those who are just bothered by their period. Lybrel is the only pill so far that allows a woman to take it 365 days a year.

This may be a positive thing for many women, but is this really safe for a woman? One, there is a question whether or not enough research has been done to be sure Lybrel is safe. Secondly, what is the health risks women face when not having a period? I, myself, am a woman who in the past has had problems with her menstrual cycle. My problems range from severe cramps to a very heavy flow. Sometimes I wouldn't even have a menstrual cycle for two to four months. I eventually broke down and went to my gynecologist and found some very interesting information that I didn't know about.

When I saw my physician during a yearly exam, I discussed with her about my irregular periods. I joked about how maybe it was a good thing not to have a period because then it wouldn't be such a bother. She told me women who do not have periods or are irregular, run a high risk of developing uterine cancer. I stopped joking and got serious. After all, I hadn't had a period in months. So this scared me. She told me that women have periods for a reason and that is to shed the build up of the uterine wall. This gets rid of old blood but at the same time is important in why women become pregnant. She told me that women who do not have menstrual cycles couldn't shed this lining of old blood. It then begins to build up. By not getting rid of the old cells, these cells can then turn into cancer. It is just a natural process to get rid of old build up and helps with preventing uterine cancer. Needless to say, I was glad I made the call to her and got checked.

My doctor prescribed me birth control pills to take for a few months to help regulate my cycle. I took them and since have had a normal menstrual cycle. So I ask, are women being given the correct information about this new pill? Are women being told that going without a period can be harmful? That a woman who goes without a menstrual cycle for a long period of time is at greater risk for developing uterine cancer?

I can't decide what is right for everyone woman. All I can go on is what was told to me by my doctor, and what the risks are. If you are a woman who is thinking of taking this pill, then seek the advice of your OB/GYN. Discuss with them the risks of Lybrel and the effects of not having a period; what does that do to a woman's body? Decide then after you received those facts, if this is a right choice for you.