A drug company’s view of the ideal woman

Derry highlights the deliberate creation of an unnatural hormonal environment in a woman’s body.

“Menstrual suppression itself is unnatural; a drug chronically overrides the physiological changes associated with the menstrual cycle, thereby creating an underlying hormonal environment that is not found in nature. Ovulation, the normal outcome of a menstrual cycle, is prevented because the hormones underlying ovulation have been suppressed.”

Women should not be led astray about the supposed benefits of this pill. Unpredictable break-through bleeding can still happen - and continue for the same time as a regular period. Half the women in trials dropped out because of this problem.

There are implications for women when they can’t rely on a missed period as a sign of possible pregnancy. Young women may be pregnant and not know it. They might not get the medical attention they need or be as careful about their nutrition and health.

The lack of a period may also mask problems which missed periods can indicate. Young women with eating disorders can fail to ovulate, resulting in no periods. They may not be aware of how severe their condition has become, because it is hidden by the pill.

The promotion of menstrual suppression also sends a message to young women just entering puberty that a natural and healthy bodily function is negative and should be stopped.

Already many young women are badly affected by cultural messages about body image. Messages about a “need” to eliminate periods could contribute to making them feel more uncomfortable with their bodies.

“No periods” advertising could also encourage the pill’s take-up without full understanding of the potential risks and side-effects of pills containing artificial hormones. This happens now with the marketing of the regular pill as blessing girls with beautiful skin.

Existing hormonal pills have already been implicated in a number of health problems including cancer, strokes and blood clots, along with depression, decreased libido and weight gain. A woman using the new regime will take dozens more active hormone pills over the course of a year and no one knows how she might end up.

Young women need love, nurturing, healthy food, exercise, and the opportunity to develop and progress in ways that are affirming to them as unique women.

They don’t need to be chemically altered to fit into some profit-driven drug company’s view of the ideal woman.