Pill’s new hope for women
Reported January 23, 2009
A NEW contraceptive pill has the potential to revolutionise the lives of two million Australian women, making their menstrual cycle shorter, lighter and pain free.
In a landmark clinical trial being launched in Sydney, doctors are hoping the new type of pill will bring relief to women who suffer debilitating pain and discomfort each month.
Researchers believe women on the Pill suffer “hormone withdrawals” when they stop taking it during the seven-day break.
The symptoms include pelvic pain, headaches, mood swings and breast soreness.
The Royal Hospital for Women, at Randwick, is recruiting women for the worldwide trial.
Dr Terri Foran, a sexual health physician, said it would change the way women take the Pill in Australia.
“We believe it will work but before we put our hand on our heart and declare that, we have to test its effectiveness,” she said.
“There is no reason why women have to have a seven-day pill-free interval. A lot of women suffer these symptoms and believe they are normal or it’s PMT (premenstrual tension) but they don’t have to (suffer).”
At least 70 per cent of women who take the Pill suffer symptoms that can mistakenly be associated with premenstrual tension.
The new type of pill shortens the hormone-free interval from seven days to two and aims to end the hormone withdrawals.
The Pill was invented in 1960 and uses a combination of estrogen and progestogen.
More than two million Australian women take the Pill and it is the most common form of contraception.
Unlike other pills on the market that aim to reduce the symptoms, this new form contains a natural form of estrogen, called estrodiol, which could hold the key to ending the monthly suffering.
Dr Foran said by reducing the Pill-free interval to two days, the body would not have enough time to experience “withdrawals”.
“The difference with this Pill to others . . . is that it alters the amount of hormone given and alters when it is given in the cycle,” she said.
“There is a suggestion that if you can manipulate that Pill-free week, you might be able to lessen the symptoms.
“The shortened break might well mean they don’t get the symptoms.”
Women will still have a menstrual cycle, but it will be shortened.
At least 880 women are needed for the six-month trial. Other countries involved in the study include Finland, France and the UK.
Victoria Valova, 34, suffered withdrawals when she stopped taking the Pill. It took several attempts for her to finally stop.
“I believe I did suffer withdrawals and for that reason I would never go back on the Pill because of how hard it was to come off,” she said.
“But if there was a product out there that stopped the symptoms then I would take it.”
Catalina Galleguillos, 26, said she would like to see more contraceptive options for women.
“I had migraines because I took the Pill last year I stopped having it just because of that,” she said.