Why Menstruation? The “long cycle” describes the use of the pill, contraceptive ring, or patch without interruption for longer than 21 days. The hormonal IUD is also suitable for the long cycle. After one year of use, light bleeding occurs only on 1-2 days per month. One user in five experiences no bleeding after one year of use.
Download the long cycle leaflet: Long Cycle Leaflet
Further advantages of the long cycle:
Besides the advantage that bleeding does not occur every month, other beneficial side effects of the long cycle include:Discomfort due to suddenly declining hormone levels at the end of the cycle can be avoided or significantly reduced by taking the pill, including for example:
• Abnormal pain
• Migraines
• Mood fluctuation
There are no known medical reasons against using the long cycle.
The New 3-month Pill
A 3-month pill has been available in the U.S. for many years, and is now available in Austria.
The 4-7-day break that causes bleeding occurs only after several months because this pill is used for two, three, or more months without interruption. After a maximum of 6 months, a 4-7 day break should be taken, causing a bleed.
The number of bleeds can be reduced in this way from the typical 13 in a year, to between two and four. For example, if four packets of pill, each containing 21 tablets, are used without taking the 7-day breaks, a bleed-free period of 12 weeks can be achieved.
Advantages: With the long cycle, women can self-determine the timing and frequency of their menstruation. For many, this not only leads to an improved quality of life, e.g., when traveling or on holiday, but also enables them to maintain a state of well-being and comfort. In particular, women with heavy or painful periods benefit from the long cycle. Studies have shown that women on the long cycle have fewer headaches and less abdominal pain, and improved well-being compared to women using the normal regimen. Medically speaking, the long cycle is safe. After discontinuation, the normal cycle returns rapidly, as shown by studies of biopsies of the endometrium.
There are no effects on your health, or the effectiveness of the pill, if you take the pill for several cycles without interruption. Ask your doctor to prescribe the 3-month pill or a one-phase pill – this is the easiest way to start shifting the menstrual cycle, because all the pills in the packet contain the same amount of hormones and are the same colour. Instead of the 21-day cycle, take the pill for 180 days without interruption, and then take a 7-day break. As long as you take a pill each day, the pill’s ability to prevent pregnancy is not affected.
After a maximum of 6 months on the long cycle, you should take a 4-7 day break to trigger a bleed that will expel the mucous membrane in the uterus, and should be no heavier than a normal period.
Source: diepille.info