Contraceptives are medications that have a contraceptive effect. Their intake is often associated with reluctance to get pregnant, but they can also be prescribed for various disorders in the hormonal balance. Traditional oral contraceptives are prescribed in lower doses to deliver a certain amount of female sex hormones for a period of 21 days. The fourth week, medication is not taken to allow time for the endometrium to separate. In the standard 28-day scheme of the menstrual cycle, active hormones are taken for 21 days, during which time the effect of progesterone on the endometrium is observed. During the next 7 days, placebo products are taken, which allow consistent estrogenic action. Since there is no inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol is produced by the ovaries. This leads to the growth of the endometrium, which is immediately suppressed by the active pills. The purpose of longer use is to eliminate endometrial growth, thereby preventing bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding is due to endometrial atrophy rather than endometrial shedding because there is no thickened decidualized endometrium to shed. Long-term use of contraceptives is very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. In addition, the postponement of menstruation, as a result of taking these medications, is useful for women in whom the symptoms associated with menstruation are very severe, painful and cause serious discomfort. There are also diseases that worsen during menstruation, such as anemia or endometriosis. Therefore, in postponing this condition, it is possible to observe a significant positive effect among affected women. Despite the positives listed, however, delaying your period for a longer time can cause a higher rate of bleeding between periods, which is usually uncomfortable or embarrassing for the woman. This is more common during the first few months of continuous use, but over time the body is likely to adapt. In some women, stopping smoking can prevent spontaneous bleeding. If it is more abundant and lasts more than 7 days, it is recommended to see a doctor. Various conditions can increase the risks when taking contraceptives – smoking, age over 35, recent pregnancy, disorders in the cardiovascular system, such as hypertension or ischemia, breast cancer, diabetes and many others. Before starting to take contraceptives according to a different scheme, consultation with a specialist is highly recommended to determine the appropriate approach for the respective patient. References: Dr. Liji Thomas, MD, The Effects of Continuous Contraceptive Pill Taking (news-medical.net)