Podcast Synopsis:

Nurse Barb, a practicing women’s health nurse practitioner joins the show. Barb is an award winning author, who lectures at Stanford and has a commercial free daily health blog at NurseBarb.com. For the last 3 years, Barb has been working with Sally Field and the Boniva team to get the word out about Osteoporosis.

Nurse Barb is a practicing Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, award winning author, and a nationally recognized health expert. She holds a BS from Boston College and earned Masters degree at the University of California, San Francisco. An in demand and popular national speaker on all aspects of women’s health, she also lectures at Stanford and is a frequent health expert on ABC TV’s View from the Bay in San Francisco. She has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America Now and NBC’s iVillageLive.

Osteoporosis is a disease where bones become thinner and more brittle and much more likely to break.  Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans, 8 million of whom are women.  There are an additional 44 million people at risk.  1 in 2 women will suffer an osteoporosis related fracture in her lifetime and 1 in 4 men will.  In fact there are 2 million fractures every year. The good news is that osteoporosis can be treated and fractures prevented.  Many people are not sure how to keep their bones strong and healthy and may not know the most accurate information. Here to bust some myths about Osteoporosis is:

Web Site: NurseBarb.com

This is a true story about a woman who endured 20 years of terrible menstrual periods. She had painful cramps, PMS symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and the resulting disruption they caused in her life.

This story is also about the various treatments she tried and how she discovered a new birth control pill called Lybrel that suspends menstrual periods indefinitely.

(Women readers: Cheryl’s story might seem familiar if you have ever suffered from severe PMS or cramps and wished there was a way to get rid of them. Men: pass this article on to the women in your life – girlfriend, wife, daughters – they all need to know.)

Cheryl’s Story

From the day of her first menstrual period at age 13, Cheryl experienced debilitating cramps with every monthly cycle. The first 3 or 4 days of her period would see her doubled over in bed, unable to sleep, eat or even move. She stopped swimming, quit the gymnastics team and started getting poorer grades because she missed so many classes.

Her family doctor prescribed Midol. When that didn’t work, the strongest medication he could offer was ibuprofen / Advil. But the sheer amount of the drug Cheryl had to take just to control her pain eventually began irritating her gastro-intestinal system. Her mother feared she would get an ulcer, but there didn’t seem to be any other choice.

By 17, Cheryl was dating and had met a wonderful guy that her family and friends all loved. Imagine the luck… her first serious boyfriend and it looked like he was a keeper! Cheryl had never been so happy.

She went on the birth control pill and was hoping some of the positive side effects she’d been told about, like less painful cramps, would result. But the cramps arrived on schedule with her periods. And her emotions went on a wild roller coaster ride that she didn’t understand.

Naming The Culprit: PMS

Cheryl’s moods were unpredictable: one day up, the next down. One moment happy, the next in tears. Her boyfriend was patient but after a few years, the relationship broke down because of her unexplained mood swings. Cheryl was destroyed.

When she was in her 20s, Cheryl learned about PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a more severe form of PMS). She learned that hormonal changes before a woman’s period can lead to mood instability, which explained her crazy emotional swings. At least now she knew that PMS was the culprit that had wreaked havoc with her life ever since puberty.

Then her friend’s older sister told her about Depo Provera.

"It’s incredible, Cher… one injection every 3 months and you get not only birth control just as good as the pill but most girls’ periods stop completely. I haven’t had one in 18 months," she raved. "And without a period, you don’t get PMS!"

So Cheryl went back to the doctor and got her first Depo shot. As her periods stopped, so did the cramps and her emotional ups and downs. She was elated. Until she started gaining weight. And started feeling depressed for no reason.

After two years on Depo Provera, she was diagnosed with depression, possibly triggered or aggravated by the Depo (a fairly common side effect). She stopped the injections and returned to her painful, unhappy periods.

And that’s when the nurse at the Women’s Clinic dropped a bombshell on her.

"Cheryl", the nurse said, "your cramps and PMS are so severe, they seem to be controlling your life. Did you know that women like you don’t have to go through this every month? That there’s a way to limit the number of periods you have… or you can stop them completely, without Depo Provera injections?"

Cheryl was floored. "No! Tell me more!"

The nurse told her about Lybrel, a new type of birth control pill. Lybrel actually stops women’s menstrual periods completely. It’s especially helpful for women like Cheryl whose PMS is severe and whose menstrual periods are painful, irregular or difficult. Plus the nurse said Lybrel works just as well as traditional birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.

How Lybrel Works

Lybrel contains the hormones ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, common ingredients in other birth control pills. Only instead of taking 21 pills and stopping for 7 days to have a period, as you would with regular birth control pills, you take Lybrel every day without a break, meaning most women don’t get a period at all or just experience minor spotting or breakthrough bleeding.

"But if it’s just a glorified birth control pill, how come nobody told me about it before?" Cheryl asked. "I’ve been suffering for 20 years and now I find out it’s as simple as tweaking my hormone levels???"

In fact, women in the know have been controlling or ending their menstrual periods with birth control pills for many years. Doctors who are familiar with the method have been advising them on how to do it.

But there is still a misconception in some circles that having a period each month is necessary, and that skipping your period is somehow wrong or unhealthy. (Read this article to learn the facts about menstrual suppression.)

The nurse gave Cheryl three different contraceptive options as treatment for her PMS, cramps, and unpleasant menstrual periods:

Yasmin: (aka Yaz) Yasmin is a 21-day on, 7-day off birth control pill. It’s the first birth control pill approved to treat the physical and emotional symptoms of PMDD. Yasmin, in most women, results in shorter, lighter periods (3 days or less), reduced cramps and a more regular cycle — great advantages for women like Cheryl who suffer from heavy, painful menstrual periods. 

Lybrel: The newest birth control pill on the market (approved by the FDA in May 2007), Lybrel is also the first birth control pill meant for continuous use, although other birth control pills have been prescribed off-label to be used this way. In one test, nearly 60% of the women taking Lybrel had no bleeding or spotting at all by the 12th month of taking it. 

Now… Your Period

If you’re thinking about taking Lybrel yourself, here are some trusted resources to provide more detailed information about Lybrel:

• FDA announces approval of Lybrel
• Lybrel manufacturer Wyeth press release
• About.com Article on Lybrel

That debate is bound to reopen with the introduction of Lybrel, a new prescription birth control pill that ends your period for as long as you take it.

Putting aside any moral arguments over right vs wrong, natural vs unnatural, let’s look at what the medical experts say about Lybrel healthwise.

Medical science has not reported any health risks associated with menstrual suppression, as it’s technically called. In fact, when Wyeth, the makers of Lybrel, commissioned a Gallup survey of health care professionals in 2006, here’s what they found:

"Approximately 97 percent of OB-GYNs thought it is safe to use oral contraceptives continuously, without a placebo phase, in the appropriate patient population. The survey polled 205 OB-GYNs and 200 nurse practitioners."

For many years, some doctors in the know have advised their patients to use standard birth control pills continuously (without taking the 7 days off) as a way to suspend their periods to prevent painful cramps and PMS.

The FDA’s approval of Lybrel seems to sanction a practice that has already been going in the medical community in an off-label manner and permit the marketing of a product specifically intended for the purpose.

What’s Really Going On With Birth Control Pills

Here’s what happens when you take birth control pills the 21/7 way and the continuous way, as with Lybrel:

On the regular pill: You take hormone pills for 21 days and "rest" for 7 days by taking either a placebo or no pill at all. During this time, there may be bleeding but you don’t have a real period. It’s withdrawal bleeding that tends to be shorter and lighter than a normal period. That’s because the hormones in the birth control pill prevent the uterine lining from building up so there is less blood to be released.

On Lybrel: You finish the 28-day pack of active pills and immediately start a new one, without a rest cycle. Because your body is receiving a steady flow of hormones, it makes very little uterine lining so there is little or no bleeding. After some months of taking Lybrel, you will likely stop having periods altogether.

This is a great advantage to women who experience difficult menstrual periods with painful cramps and strong flow or women who suffer from severe PMS before their period.

Most medical experts agree that stopping your period with a safe, FDA-approved birth control pill poses no risk to appropriately prescribed patients. In fact, some say the only reason to opt for the 21/7 pills that require you to have a period is simply to reassure you that you aren’t pregnant.

Less Pain, More Freedom

With the advent of Lybrel, doctors now have a birth control pill that is specifically prescribed to end a patient’s periods indefinitely. And because the main hormonal ingredients in Lybrel have been widely used in other pills for a long time, there is little concern that unknown health risks or side effects will arise.

The Lybrel label carries the same precautions as other birth control pills: risk increases if you smoke, are over 35, have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, etc. 

So for women who are suitable candidates, Lybrel will alleviate their menstrual pain, mood swings and other symptoms of PMS, and the ensuing disruption of their personal and work lives. Not only that, but they can now confidently use a birth control pill to stop menstruating for convenience factors, too.

That translates into millions of women who either can’t get excited about sex, find it painful, or cannot achieve an orgasm. Most of these women (three quarters) are post menopausal but there are other reasons for FSD, including the use of anti-depressants.

So with all these women not having or not enjoying sex, the demand for some sort of Viagra for women is a marketing vacuum waiting to be filled.

Is there anything currently available that really works as a female version of Viagra (not counting all the herbal / natural aphrodisiacs of dubious effectiveness and safety)?

In 2001, there was a flurry of interest when the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reported that women with FSD who take Viagra have more sexual fantasies, have sex more often, are more likely to enjoy it, and have far more orgasms. Although Viagra isn’t recommended for women, some doctors have been prescribing it "off label" for their female patients. (Viagra hasn’t been studied in pregnant or breast feeding women, so caution is advised.)

There was also talk of a womens Viagra cream (containing the same active ingredient as Viagra, sildenafil) that could be applied to the genital area. In early trials, it seemed to have the desired effect but has so far not made it to market.

The Patch: Is a New Viagra for Women On The Way?

The Intrinsa patch showed great promise as the latest candidate for "Viagra for women". It works by boosting testosterone levels in the blood, which can help women whose hormones are declining with age or as a result of a hysterectomy.

Intrinsa was recently approved in the UK for prescription-only use by post-menopausal women. But it hasn’t been approved for sale in the US because the FDA denied Procter & Gamble a license in 2004, concerned about long term effects of the hormone.

Womens Viagra Spray

Meanwhile, another company called Palatin Technologies is racing with P & G to get their "womens Viagra" on the market first. Palatin’s product, Bremelanotide, is an inhaled drug delivered by atomizer. It works on the brain to encourage sexual arousal rather than by increasing blood flow to the genitals. And, Palatin says, Bremelanotide is effective for both men and women.

The company says a single dose of Bremelanotide "results, in most cases, in a stirring in the loins in as little as 15 minutes. Women feel ‘genital warmth, tingling and throbbing’, not to mention ‘a strong desire to have sex’."

The bad news? The New Jersey company is still conducting clinical trials and FDA approval is long way down the road.

Drug manufacturers are rumored to be working on about 25 formulations to treat female sexual dysfunction. So as the "little blue pill" for men’s sexual enjoyment approaches its tenth anniversary on the US market, women continue to wait for a product just for them… a female Viagra capable of rocking their world.

But for a certain percentage, there is no relief from PMS. Each menstrual cycle signals three to 10 days of physical and psychological symptoms that disrupt their normal routine, or worse.

PMS Symptoms

As a women with PMS, you may experience some or all of the following:

• mood swings, irritability, depression
• bloating
• tender breasts
• fatigue
• food cravings
• insomnia
• joint / muscle pain

Women who experience very severe symptoms may have a disabling form of PMS called PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). The symptoms of PMDD are so disruptive they can often cause major, debilitating changes in a woman’s life.

PMDD Symptoms

• severe depression and a sense of hopelessness
• anger
• low self esteem
• difficulty concentrating
• irritability

Help for PMS and PMDD

If you’ve tried all the PMS treatment options out there, such as exercising, changing your diet, or taking anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen and nothing has worked, there’s a new treatment available for women who suffer from PMS or PMDD… a birth control pill that gets rid of PMS by getting rid of your period.

The Newest Treatment for PMS: Lybrel

Lybrel is the first and only birth control pill that was designed to eliminate menstrual periods indefinitely.

Lybrel is a low-dose birth control pill that you take continuously, 365 days a year. As soon as one pack is done, you start another, taking one Lybrel pill at the same time each day. There is no placebo pill in the package — each Lybrel tablet contains an active hormone dose.

Lybrel not only provides 99% birth control effectiveness (the same as other birth control pills) but also helps women avoid painful periods, heavy flow, PMS and PMDD. Most women on Lybrel found their periods diminished to breakthrough bleeding or spotting, and then ceased completely, usually within 6-12 months.

Lybrel can also be used to prevent menstruation for convenience factors such as special events like weddings, honeymoons, proms and and other times when a woman would like to avoid having a period.

How Does Lybrel Work?

Lybrel stabilizes women’s hormones, keeping them at a constant level. The absence of hormonal fluctuations leads to an easing or complete elimination of PMS symptoms such as bloating, cramps, tender breasts, irritability, and general aches and pains.

In the past, some doctors have prescribed regular birth control pills off label, to be taken continuously to achieve the same effect. But Lybrel is the first to receive FDA approval to be used this way.

Because Lybrel is a fairly new product, health care professionals and the general public may not be fully aware of it yet. For more information on the usage, precautions and advantages of Lybrel, visit the eDrugstore.md Lybrel information page.

If you’re tired of the itching, discharge, and other unpleasant yeast infection symptoms, maybe it’s time you learned the facts about effective yeast infection treatments… the standard ones, the alternative ones, and a prescription drug called Diflucan.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Before we discuss the benefits of Diflucan and its ability to eliminate a vaginal yeast infection, it’s important to understand what a yeast infection is. A fungus called Candida is the main culprit responsible for triggering a vaginal yeast infection in women.

Although it’s both normal and beneficial to have some of this yeast in our bodies, when Candida multiplies or spreads throughout the body it can result in a number of illnesses and conditions, including a yeast infection.

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

Many women are misinformed about what can actually cause or aggravate a yeast infection. Learning to recognize what triggers a yeast infection in your body is often the best defense. By avoiding certain actions and situations, you can greatly decrease your chances of contracting a vaginal yeast infection.

The following are some of the most common causes of a yeast infection.

• Antibiotics – Taking prescription medications such as antibiotics for an extended period of time can cause a yeast infection. Sure antibiotics are helpful in treating many illnesses but the downside is that they also kill what are known as the good bacteria in our bodies. When the amount of good bacteria becomes limited, the yeast begins to multiply and the end result can be an annoying yeast infection.
• Birth Control Pills – Many women of child bearing age take birth control pills. Although contraceptives are very convenient in preventing pregnancy, the estrogen in these medications may cause a vaginal yeast infection in some women. If you’re constantly battling a recurring yeast infection, try talking with your doctor about the different types of oral contraceptives available. Many brands of birth control pills today contain reduced amounts of estrogen which can eliminate or reduce the number of active yeast infections. If changing your medication doesn’t help, why not consider a different type of birth control.
• Diet – An unhealthy diet can often trigger or aggravate an existing yeast infection. By eating well balanced meals and limiting your consumption of junk foods, you can improve your overall health and lessen the chance of an infection. Sugar should especially be avoided. In order for Candida to flourish in your system, it needs nourishment. Sugar and wheat products are known to cause an overgrowth of Candida in many women. Women who have diabetes are more susceptible to a vaginal yeast infection because of the amount of elevated blood glucose in the body.
• Sexual Transmission – Unfortunately Candida can be transferred between partners during sexual contact. Yes, even men can have a yeast infection, although it’s not as common as in women. The yeast infection can be difficult to eliminate unless both partners are treated at the same time. To make matters worse, men frequently do not experience any of the common yeast infection symptoms, thus making it harder to diagnose. If either you or your partner suspects a possible yeast infection, following safe sex practices is recommended until the condition can be diagnosed and treated.
• Allergic Reactions – Today there are a number of feminine hygiene products on the market from perfumes, to douches, to feminine deodorant sprays. While these products may help you feel fresh and clean, the chemicals they contain can cause an adverse reaction. In fact, many doctors will try to discourage women from douching because it can greatly reduce the amount of good bacteria necessary to fight Candida. Once the good bacteria are reduced, yeast infection symptoms may soon follow.
• Abnormal Immune System – Lastly, people with a weakened or compromised immune system are more likely to experience a recurring yeast infection. If you have other health problems or are under a great deal of stress, you will need to treat those problems in order to overcome any yeast infection symptoms. Patients with HIV can have an extremely difficult time beating a yeast infection. For them, it’s best to first consult with a physician about the best method of treatment.

Three Ways to Treat a Yeast Infection

1. Traditional Yeast Infection Treatment

   Although there are many over-the-counter remedies available that claim to cure yeast infections, it is best to seek a doctor’s opinion if this is your first encounter with the condition. A qualified physician will want to first diagnose the condition and then examine you for any underlying causes that may not be obvious. Traditional treatments for a vaginal yeast infection include: oral medications, suppositories, and creams.

2. Alternative Methods for Yeast Infection Treatment

   Many women may wish to use natural or alternative methods for yeast infection treatment. While some of these methods may provide relief, they can also be helpful in preventing additional occurrences after the first yeast infection has been successfully treated.

   Some of the more common home remedies used for yeast infection treatment include: acidophilus tablets, cranberry juice, and homemade douches made with vinegar, garlic, plain yogurt, or potassium sorbate.

3. Rx Treatment for Yeast Infections: Diflucan

   If you’ve tried the above treatments and are still troubled by stubborn yeast infection symptoms, it may be time to try Diflucan.

   Diflucan is a prescription product that provides fast and effective relief for most yeast infections. Diflucan is available in a convenient tablet form and most patients usually only require a single dose. And many women prefer it to messy creams and suppositories.

   Although Diflucan can be taken safely by most patients, you should inform your physician of any other prescriptions you are currently taking. In addition, Diflucan is not recommended for patients who suffer from serious health problems such as HIV, liver disease, or renal impairment. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should also not take Diflucan.

Although there is no known cure for endometriosis, there are a number of treatments available which can eliminate or reduce symptoms. The type of treatment prescribed will depend upon the severity of your endometriosis symptoms.

As this article will explore, birth control pills such as Yasmin are becoming an increasingly popular treatment for many endometriosis sufferers.

Endometriosis Description: What Exactly is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that results in an overgrowth of tissue in the uterus. While this tissue, called endometrium, is necessary in the womb, when the tissue grows outside of the womb and spreads to other parts of the body, endometriosis occurs.

Endometrial tissue can spread to the bladder, bowels, ovaries, or other areas surrounding the uterus. This spreading tissue is often referred to as lesions, tumors, nodules or growths. Although endometriosis can also spread to other areas of the body, that is very rare. Endometriosis is usually confined to the region surrounding the uterus.

Even though endometriosis growths are usually benign, they can still cause pain and discomfort in the area where they occur.

During her period, a woman discharges excess tissue and blood through the uterus. In endometriosis patients, the tissue located outside the uterus cannot be discharged. Over time the amount of tissue increases, resulting in pain and an increase in severity of the endometriosis symptoms.

As the endometriosis worsens, the affected tissue area can experience both scarring and inflammation. In more severe cases, the endometrium tissue can block the area around the ovaries and fallopian tubes, sometimes resulting in infertility or extreme difficulty in becoming pregnant.

What are My Chances of Getting Endometriosis?

Although endometriosis can affect any female, some women have a higher risk of contracting the condition. Having one or more of the following factors can increase your endometriosis risk:

1. Heredity. If a family member has endometriosis, your chances of suffering from endometriosis at some point are increased.

2. Irregular Cycle. A 28-day cycle is considered average. Women who menstruate more frequently on a regular basis have a greater chance of getting endometriosis.

3. Age at onset of period. Women who begin menstruating at a young age are more susceptible to developing endometriosis.

4. Heavy bleeding. Do you experience excessive bleeding on a regular basis during menstruation? If you change your pad or tampon on an hourly basis, you are likely bleeding more than what is considered normal.

5. Length of period. While the number of days a period lasts varies widely among women, five days is considered the average. If your period lasts more than seven days, your chance of suffering from endometriosis is increased.

Common Endometriosis Symptoms

The following list contains some symptoms frequently associated with endometriosis. Having one or more of the following symptoms does not guarantee the presence of endometriosis, only an increased likelihood. Only a physician can properly diagnose your condition.

1. Infertility
2. Heavy bleeding
3. Painful intercourse
4. Extreme cramps during menstruation
5. Fatigue
6. Spotting or “break through” bleeding between menstrual periods
7. Discomfort or pain while urinating or during bowel movements
8. Long periods that last over 7 days
9. Pain or discomfort in the intestinal or pelvic region
10. Persistent lower back pain.

How to Test for Endometriosis

If you suspect endometriosis, a visit to your gynecologist or obstetrician is imperative. It is important to notify your doctor of all endometriosis symptoms you are experiencing. During the first consultation, a pelvic exam is usually conducted. A pelvic exam is helpful in recognizing common signs of endometriosis.

Initially your doctor may recommend an MRI or ultrasound screening to detect excess tissue growth within the body. However, there is only one way to definitely diagnose endometriosis in women: through a procedure called laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy involves making a small incision in the abdomen. A tiny illuminated instrument is then inserted into the incision, allowing the physician to identify any growths caused by endometriosis. If the tissue can be properly identified as endometriosis, no further testing is necessary.

If the doctor cannot positively identify the tissue as endometriosis, a sampling of the tissue must be obtained for further study. After the biopsy or tissue scraping, the sample is then studied under a microscope.

Endometriosis Treatments

There are a number of methods used to treat endometriosis symptoms including pain medications, birth control pills, and surgery. The type of treatment prescribed will depend upon the severity of the individual endometriosis case. Over the counter pain killers are often the first form of treatment recommended by doctors. In mild cases, this may be enough.

For patients with moderate endometriosis, birth control pills are commonly prescribed. Today there are a number of birth control pills on the market that are highly effective in treating endometriosis. Yasmin is one popular brand of birth control pill frequently prescribed for endometriosis treatment.

Surgery to treat endometriosis is generally considered a last option reserved for patients experiencing severe trauma or pain. Depending upon the severity of pain or size of the endometriosis growths, a laparoscopy or laparotomy is performed.

Some women with endometriosis may even choose to have a hysterectomy. Although a hysterectomy is highly effective in eliminating endometriosis symptoms, it should only be considered by women who have no intention of becoming pregnant. During the hysterectomy operation, your physician may choose to remove the ovaries or fallopian tubes too.

Using Birth Control Pills to Ease Endometriosis Symptoms

Most birth control pills like Yasmin prescribed for endometriosis treatment are known as “combination pills”. These types of birth control pills contain both estrogen and progesterone. It is the combination of these two hormones that stops ovulation in order to prevent pregnancy.

Birth control pills are one of the most popular methods for treating endometriosis. The majority of patients using birth control pills to prevent endometriosis symptoms can usually take them for years without experiencing the side effects common to other types of endometriosis treatments.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used along with birth control pills. In addition, patients who have previously had surgery for endometriosis may wish to take birth control pills after surgery. Future endometriosis lesions can also be eliminated or reduced through the administration of birth control pills.

Yasmin is a relatively new birth control pill that has been proven to reduce endometriosis cramps and discomfort. Patients taking Yasmin may also experience lighter bleeding and more regular menstrual periods. Yasmin is the first birth control pill available that contains drospirenone, the only progestin hormone not derived from testosterone.

To learn more about Yasmin and other birth control pills used to treat endometriosis,  browse through our women’s health articles section.

Do You Suffer From an Irregular Menstrual Period?

Although most women will tell you their period comes like clockwork, a small percentage experience an irregular menstrual period month after month. If you’re one of them, you know how annoying it can be not knowing when your next menstrual period will arrive.

For one thing, an irregular period can wreak havoc on ones lifestyle in many ways. First of all, just the uncertainty of not knowing when their next period will start causes many women unnecessary stress. For women who may experience heavy bleeding initially, being able to quickly recognize the onset of their menstrual period is very important. If unprepared, it’s unexpected arrival can cause embarrassment and discomfort, especially for teenage girls.

For women who are sexually active, having an irregular period can cause a lot of anxiety. Whether single or in a committed relationship, most women prefer that pregnancy not be a guessing game. Having a menstrual period that greatly fluctuates can cause a woman to constantly wonder if she is pregnant or suffering from an underlying illness.

Women who have an irregular menstrual period often make several visits to their gynecologist or family physician in hopes of finding a cause for the condition. Usually they are told an irregular period is "normal". The doctor will often reassure them that there’s nothing to worry about. Fortunately for these women, a safe and effective way to regulate their irregular period is possible.

Birth Control Pills – An Effective Way to Tame an Irregular Period

Birth control pills, when taken as prescribed and only by women who should take them, are a great solution to dealing with an irregular menstrual cycle. By simply taking the pill on a daily basis, you can have a more predictable menstrual period within weeks.

Most women and teenage girls can safely take birth control pills without any harmful side effects. However, if you do experience pain or discomfort from a specific brand of birth control pills, there are many other birth control medications your physician can choose to administer.

Mothers of teenage girls who suffer from an irregular menstrual period may be reluctant to allow their daughters to take birth control. Many people are misinformed about the dangers and risks of taking birth control pills long-term. For young girls troubled by an irregular menstrual period, the stress and anxiety caused by this condition may be more harmful than the possible side effects from birth control pills.

In addition, some birth control medications have proven helpful in reducing or eliminating acne. For teenage girls who have tried numerous over the counter acne products, birth control pills may clear up their complexion while treating their irregular menstrual period.

Women who experience an irregular period may also have heavier menstrual bleeding during some cycles. This excess bleeding can result in anemia occasionally. By taking birth control pills the amount of bleeding during an irregular period is reduced, which in turn lowers the risk of anemia.

How Do Birth Control Pills Work?

Birth control pills are generally broken down into two categories.

1. The first and most common type is referred to as combination birth control pills. These tablets contain two hormones called estrogen and progestin which are produced naturally in the body by the ovaries.
2. The second type of birth control pills contains only progestin. This type of birth control is often referred to as a minipill. Although not quite as effective as combination birth control pills (99% effective when used correctly), minipills have approximately a 98% success rate. Minipills are often recommended for women who experience side effects or discomfort from taking combination type birth control pills.

Combination birth control pills are available in both 21 and 28 day packets. Basically each packet contains 21 pills to prevent pregnancy. The purpose of the extra birth control pills in a 28 day packet is simply to remind the patient to take the pills on a regular basis. Most physicians will stress the important of taking the pill at about the same time each day.

In order for pregnancy to occur, ovulation must take place. Birth control pills are highly effective in stopping ovulation, making the risk of pregnancy very slim. Birth control pills can also help treat an irregular menstrual period because they control the levels of estrogen and progestin in the body. Without the use of birth control pills, these hormones are produced naturally in the body but the amounts are not regulated.

Choosing the Right Birth Control Pill

Once you’ve decided to try birth control pills to regulate your menstrual period, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your physician. While your family doctor can prescribe birth control pills, many women feel more comfortable seeking the advice of a gynecologist to treat their problem.

After thoroughly reviewing your medical history, your physician may suggest a brand of birth control pills. Today there are many different birth control pills available, from one of the oldest on the market, Ortho-Tricyclen, to the Ortho Evra patch, to the brand new Lybrel birth control pill, which ends the menstrual period completely. If you do not achieve success with the first pill you try, your doctor can prescribe another.

Many women have successfully treated their irregular menstrual periods with a birth control pill called Yasmin. Besides treating an irregular period, Yasmin has proven effective in reducing the amount of menstrual bleeding. Patients who take Yasmin report shorter periods with fewer or no cramps at all.

Unlike other birth control pills, Yasmin is the only type of birth control medication available that does not contain testosterone. Instead Yasmin is made from a progestin called drospirenone. Drospirenone may even be helpful in preventing unwanted weight gain and bloating.

To learn more about how birth control pills are helpful in treating an irregular period,  browse our Womens Health Information Library to read more about birth control and other health issues.

When a woman reaches thirty-five, her chances of becoming pregnant are not as likely as before. Many mistakenly think they no longer need to use birth control. However, unless they wish to become pregnant, some form of birth control is necessary until after menstruation ceases.

Birth control takes on a new challenge for these so-called "mature" women. In addition to preventing pregnancy, the chosen contraceptive should be one that is not likely to cause any harmful side effects. While most women over 35 can still use birth control pills safely, there are a few risk factors that must be considered.

Oral Contraceptive Risk Factors For Women Over 35

Birth control pills are a simple, safe, and effective way to prevent pregnancy. When taken as directed, most oral contraceptives have a 99% or higher success rate. In general, women 35 and older who have previously taken oral contraceptives should be able to continue using their same brand of birth control pill.

However, if a woman of that age smokes, birth control pills are not recommended. The longer the patient has smoked, the more risk is involved in taking oral contraceptives. The chance of heart problems greatly increases if a patient smokes while taking birth control pills. For this reason, women in this age group are advised to quit smoking or use another method of birth control.

Patients who have had heart problems or suffer from diabetes should also refrain from using oral contraceptives. Diabetic women especially have a much higher risk of developing atherosclerosis and other heart related conditions.

Women in their thirties and forties who have never used birth control pills in the past should be able to safely start taking oral contraceptives if desired. As with younger females, your physician can decide which brand of birth control pills will work best for you.

Benefits of Birth Control for Women 35 and Older

Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can lessen a woman’s chances of developing serious illnesses including several types of cancers. Combination birth control pills which contain both estrogen and progestin help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Even when a woman reaches the age where birth control is no longer necessary, the added protection from ovarian cancer may continue for several years after she stops taking the birth control pill.

Women who suffer from other menstrual related problems such as ovarian cysts can benefit from the use of birth control pills. Excess bleeding and pelvic pain can both be controlled through the use of oral contraceptives.

Uterine fibroids are another common problem for women in their thirties and forties. These fibroids or tumors can form either inside or outside the uterus area. Although they are non-cancerous, uterine fibroids can cause extreme pain and discomfort in women. While birth control pills cannot reduce the size of uterine fibroids, they are very effective in regulating heavy bleeding and reducing pain.

The Ortho Evra Skin Patch

Another birth control method that is gaining popularity is known as "the patch". Even more convenient than birth control pills, the Ortho Evra patch only has to be applied once a week. This unique form of birth control delivers an abundant supply of estrogen and progestin to the body through skin absorption. Patients can safely wear the patch while swimming, exercising, or showering.

It is important to note that the Ortho Evra skin patch contains a higher concentration of estrogen than traditional oral contraceptives. As with other types of birth control, smoking is strongly discouraged. Women who smoke while using the Ortho Evra patch can experience serious complications, including blood clots and stroke.

Although the Ortho Evra skin patch is generally safe for most patients to use, it is best to discuss with your family doctor or gynecologist what side effects may result. The most common complaint from patients using Ortho Evra is a slight skin irritation to the area where the patch is applied.

Plan B – Emergency Birth Control

Although not intended to serve as a regular oral contraceptive, Plan B birth control pills are another option for women 35 and older. Many women will stop using their regular method of birth control once they reach a certain age. While they may not have stopped menstruating altogether, their periods can be irregular and sporadic, leading them to believe pregnancy is no longer possible. To their dismay, a percentage of these women will become pregnant unexpectedly.

In order to prevent unplanned pregnancies, Plan B is available for emergency situations involving unprotected intercourse. The main disadvantage is that the pills must be taken a short time after sexual contact occurs. Most physicians recommend taking the first pill within three days after unprotected sex and the second dose twelve hours later.

Choosing the Best Birth Control Method for You

Before deciding which form of birth control to use, you’ll want to first schedule a consultation with your physician. Even if you’ve been taking birth control for years, it’s best to reevaluate your decision once you reach a certain age. Depending on your overall health, your doctor may recommend another birth control method or suggest an oral contraceptive that contains a lower dosage of hormones.

To read more articles about birth control pills and other women’s health issues, visit our Women’s Health Information Library.