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More than one generation of gynecologists has defended their case, but opinions on this matter continue to be extremely diverse, and doubts are still in the air. Let’s try to figure out what the female body should rest from.
Taking a contraceptive break
First, a few facts: hormonal contraception has a relatively short history. It was invented just over 50 years ago, and the first generations of birth control pills contained gigantic (150 mcg) doses of estrogen. This is about 10 times the amount found in current micro-dosage formulations.
And precisely in order for the body to rest from the estrogenic load, the 21 + 7 scheme was developed. It was assumed that during a 28-day cycle, a woman took hormone pills for 21 days, and then took a seven-day break, during which a “withdrawal bleeding” occurred. But even with those doses of hormones, a week’s break was enough.
Over the past decades, the dose of hormones in combined oral contraceptives has decreased significantly. Numerous studies have shown that, when the instructions and contraindications are followed, COCs are a safe and reliable means of protecting against unwanted pregnancies. It is no coincidence that this is the most popular form of contraception in developed countries. In contrast to Russia, where the most popular method of contraception is still abortion.
To understand what interruptions in COC use can be fraught with, you need to know what processes are triggered when you start taking the drug. The hormonal balance of the body is the most complex mechanisms of interaction between glands, organs and tissues. When hormones begin to flow regularly from the outside, the body gets used to the fact that its efforts are not needed in this process. And over time, it stops the independent production of hormones. The ovaries are immersed in a state of functional rest, ovulation stops (until the moment when the woman stops taking COCs, for example, for the purpose of pregnancy).
Taking the contraceptive pill
A break in taking or changing the drug becomes stress for the body, it is forced to adjust to the changed conditions and re-establish the disturbed hormonal balance. There is no “rest” in this, and it is better not to make such decisions without a serious reason and consultation with a doctor.
The cessation of ovulation and associated cyclic hormonal changes gives rest to the reproductive organs, protects the body from exhaustion by monthly preparation for pregnancy. Moreover, long-term use of COCs significantly reduces the risk of developing estrogen-dependent cancers – cancer of the ovaries, breast, endometrium and others. The protective effect persists even after the discontinuation of the intake: it is generally accepted that, on average, a year of COC intake provides a protective effect for 10 years in advance. It is the long-term and stable use of suitable COCs that provides the body with the most comfortable and gentle state.
Taking COCs also serves as a beneficial factor in terms of potential pregnancy. After discontinuation of the drug, the “rested” ovaries are included in the work with greater intensity, increasing the chances of pregnancy (the so-called rebound effect). This scheme is even used to stimulate reproductive function in cases where a couple has difficulty conceiving. The rebound effect, by the way, serves as another argument against “preventive” breaks: the chances of an accidental pregnancy during this period are especially high.
Many women take a break or even quit taking COCs at the stage of adaptation to the drug. It usually lasts from one to three cycles, and during this period there may be side effects. This is a temporary and completely natural condition, due to the fact that the body needs a period of time to get used to the action of COCs, and not at all with the fact that the drug is “not suitable”.
The side effects of the adaptation period include the following manifestations: bleeding, headache, irritability, soreness of the mammary glands. Simple actions aimed at improving the body will help smooth out the discomfort. Refusal of bad habits, sleep and wakefulness, regular physical activity are well-known, but not always acceptable recommendations. If the side effects persist for more than 3-4 months, then this is already a reason for canceling or replacing the drug (preferably with the participation of a doctor).
The latest generation of contraceptives (the so-called “natural” oral contraceptives with a “female formula”) use a special – dynamic – dosing regimen. Together with natural estrogen, the dynamic dosage regimen provides a gentle and gentle effect on the body. Thanks to this delicacy of the action, the adaptation period passes almost unnoticed.
The pleasant side effects of most modern drugs include reduced bleeding and relief of PMS symptoms. This is not a cause for alarm, but a slight additional convenience associated with taking COCs. Another step towards comfort and freedom.