Christina Mattingly
Cramps, bloating, bad moods -- wish there was a way to get rid of PMS? A new pill could have you "Putting Off Your Period". The birth control pill is being tested right now and for the 16 million American women, who use oral contraceptives this could be good news. But is it safe? 7's Frances Rivera has more.
In the 60's birth control pills created a sexual revolution. Now a new birth control pill is about to create another revolution.
Dr. Ann Davis
"Their periods in this particular product go from 13 a year to four a year."
The pill's name Seasonale says it all. Instead of one period every month, you would have one every season.
Charlene
"I don't have to worry about it every month attacking me or surprising me."
For the past three years, Charlene Howard has been part of the clinical trial for Seasonale. As a busy mom and real estate agent, Charlene loves not having a monthly period.
Charlene
"Between the three months I just get up and go. I have no worries."Dr. Ann Davis, Beth Israel Deaconess Med. Ctr.
"Many of the women, who tried it, hated to go off it.
Right now, birth control pills come in a package of 21 active pills and seven sugar pills. With Seasonale you would take 84 active pills before breaking for a period.
Dr. Ann Davis
"This is not anything unique for gynecologists. But it's new to the lay public."
For years, doctors have prescribed continued use of standard birth control pills. The reasons -- a woman wants to avoid a period for a special occasion or it's a way to relieve a medical problem like endometriosis, severe headaches or cramps.
Dr. Ann Davis
"It is completely medically safe, when you are in these types of preparations, not to have a menstrual period every month."
All birth control pills not only prevent pregnancy, but provide health benefits like preventing anemia, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.
Dr. Ann Davis
"We see a marked decrease in those two cancers in women who have used the pill."
But birth control pills also come with risks that can be annoying like breakthrough bleeding or dangerous like blood clots and stroke.
And there's a debate over a possible association between the pill and cervical cancer.
Dr. Susan Rako, "No More Periods?"
"It's a very serious matter to tamper with women's hormonal chemistry."
Dr. Susan Rako is a psychiatrist in Newton and an expert in women's hormonal health. She has written a book about the risks of using the pill for menstrual suppression.
Dr. Susan Rako
"We don't know today what we are going to find out down the line and this is a very large experiment."Dr. Ann Davis
"Birth control pills are extremely safe."
Because of the risks associated with any birth control pill, not all women will be able to take Seasonale. But for Charlene it was the answer she was looking for.
Charlene
"Just the freedom that comes with it."
When it comes to pregnancy, doctors say Seasonale will be just as effective as other pills. But since a period is a monthly sign, doctors say continued use of the pill has shown to be safe in the case of an unexpected pregnancy.
If the FDA approves Seasonale, it could be on store shelves by January.
For more information on Seasonale log onto: www.knowyourperiod.com.
For more information on Dr. Susan Rako's book, No More Period? The Risks of Menstrual Suppression, log onto www.susanrako.com. Dr. Rako has also written a book on testosterone and how it helps Female Sexual Dysfunction called The Hormone of Desire: The Truth about Testosterone, Sexuality and Menopause.
