Dear GRRRlygrl,

If a woman is not taking birth control pills, there is no way for her to change when her period comes.

A woman who is taking the birth control pill can avoid menstruating — skip her period — by beginning a new pack of combination pills immediately, instead of taking the reminder pills.

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 placebos that do not contain hormones. They are taken during the fourth week to let a woman have her period and to help her keep 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. One brand of pill, Seasonale, is even being marketed as a way for women to avoid having their periods three months at a time. To discuss using birth control pills to postpone menstruation, 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.