Is it safe to take the pill continuously to avoid having periods?
Yes, it is — except for women who should not take the pill at all. Likewise, it is safe to continuously use some other hormonal methods, like Depo-Provera injections, the Mirena IUD, or the vaginal ring to supress menstruation.
Up to 44 percent of U.S. women would rather not menstruate. Many use hormonal contraception to control their cycles for various reasons — to plan a honeymoon or athletic event, to alleviate medical conditions such as endometriosis, to avoid discomforts like PMS, for convenience, or simply because they don't like menstruating.
Women in prehistoric times spent more time pregnant than modern women. They only had about 160 periods in a lifetime. Modern women have about 460. Some researchers believe that reduced ovulation and menstruation among today's women may protect against cancers of the reproductive organs.
