Protip: Skipping periods on birth control is everything +++ #thxbirthcontrol

If you’re not getting your period on birth control, don’t believe what the influencers say. Nothing is wrong with skipping periods on birth control. Blood is not building up. Your uterus is not shutting down. You’re not going into early menopause.

Like lots of health info that pops up on socials, this one is not based on fact and is just not true. Not getting your period on hormonal birth control is actually pretty normal. For a lot of people, it’s even the point. Not getting your period when you’re when you’re not using any method? That’s a different story, and is something you should bring up with a provider.

So what’s actually happening when you stop having periods on birth control?

Hormonal birth control like the hormonal IUD, the implant, or the shot works by thinning the lining of your uterus over time. That means there’s less tissue to shed. Less tissue means lighter periods, or sometimes no period at all.

There’s no blood “trapped” inside you. Nothing is building up. Your body isn’t in crisis mode.

How common is it to stop having your period on birth control?

It’s pretty common to stop having your period. It really depends on the type of method you use and whether or not you use it without breaks.

Continuous use of birth control pills and periods

About nine out of ten people stop having periods by 12 months when taking birth control pills with no breaks in between packs.

The shot and periods

About seven out of ten people stop having periods by two years. This is the same for the birth control shot you get in the office and the shot you get at home.

Hormonal IUDs and periods

About five out of ten people stop having periods by one year. About six out of ten people stop having periods by two years.

The birth control implant and periods

About two out of ten people stop having periods by one year.

How to use birth control to skip your period

There are no rules about how many periods you “should” have. If you’re using the birth control pill or the birth control ring, you can use them continuously (365 days a year if you want) and skip your period entirely. Or you can skip for a few months and then choose to have one. It’s completely up to you.

One thing to know: if you skip your period for several months, you might notice some breakthrough bleeding or spotting along the way. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It can just be a little annoying. If it happens, try adjusting how often you schedule a period. Everyone’s body is a little different, and you’ll find the rhythm that works for yours. We have a guide on skipping periods with birth control pills here.

Does birth control cause early menopause?

Birth control does not cause early perimenopause or menopause, no matter how long you use it for. Hormonal birth control can actually help manage symptoms that come with the transition to menopause. Birth control doesn’t trigger or speed up menopause.

But what if you want your period back when you’re on birth control?

Totally valid. Not everyone wants to skip their period, and that’s okay too. If your bleeding pattern isn’t working for you, there are other methods that help you have more regular cycles, like the birth control ring, the patch, or certain combination birth control pills. Talk to a provider about what fits your life best. Or find a method that’s right for you on Bedsider.

And if your period suddenly changes in a way that feels off, you can always check in with a provider.

It’s okay (and amazing!) to use birth control to skip periods

Missing a period on hormonal birth control isn’t a red flag. For most people, it’s just the method doing its job.

Lots of online content treats bleeding like a vital sign that proves everything is okay. This isn’t true for everyone, especially if your period causes you pain or discomfort. It’s totally okay to skip it.

For the record, period bleeding does not make someone more feminine. Menstruation is a process of being human and having a uterus. It doesn’t make you more of a woman or more feminine. It just makes you a mammal. 😉

You don’t need a reason to use birth control to skip periods

And you don’t need a “good” reason to want fewer periods. Wanting fewer periods is reason enough.