Dear katie31990,

The pill you're talking about is called Seasonale. It was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September 2003.

Like other combination pills, Seasonale contains synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin, and is up to 99.7 percent effective when used correctly. Here's the difference: traditional combined-hormone pill packets contain 21 active pills (with hormones) and seven reminder pills (without hormones). A woman normally gets her period during the time she takes the reminder pills. However, with Seasonale, a woman takes actives pills for 84 days straight, followed by seven reminder pills. Therefore, she'll have her period once every 84 days, instead of once every 28 days.

Seasonale may be an attractive option for women who have severe menstrual discomfort and want to have fewer periods. On the other hand, many women like the reassurance of having their period every month. It should be noted that bleeding and spotting as side effects may happen more frequently with Seasonale than with other birth control pills.

A clinician can help you decide what type of birth control is best for you. To make an appointment at the nearest Planned Parenthood, call 1-800-230-PLAN, or check out Clinic Connections.

To find out more about Seasonale, check out their Web site.

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.