Dear lizard42,

Yes, it's true a woman can avoid menstruating for a cycle — skipping her period — by beginning a new pack of combination pills immediately, instead of taking the placebo pills from the previous pack. This works regardless of the dosage of hormones in each pill.

Combination pills usually come in 28-day packs and are taken without interruption. The first 21 pills in the pack are called "active" — they contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. The last seven pills in the pack are called "reminder" pills. They are inactive placebo pills that do not contain hormones. They are taken during the fourth week, when menstruation usually occurs, to help a woman stay in the habit of taking a pill on a regular basis.

A woman does not increase her risk of pregnancy by skipping placebo pills. The continuous stream of hormones will prevent pregnancy in the same way as described above.

Some women choose to skip placebo pills and go right into the next pack to avoid having a period during vacation. Some women still experience some spotting — light bleeding — when they do this. To discuss this option, contact a physician or call 1-800-230-PLAN to be connected to the nearest Planned Parenthood health center.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.