[AL0tT0Handle]

I obviously should speak to a gyno, but I've just move and started a new job, so frankly, I don't have time to find one or make an appointment right now.

I'm currently on a regular 28-day birth control pill cycle. Obviously I take it to prevent pregnancy, most important! But I also take it to regulate my periods because prior or starting birth control, my periods were all SURPRISE PERIODS! Never fun, super obnoxious... So obviously, something that regulates me is suuuper important as well.

What other forms of birth control (aside from the various day-length of pills) can also regulate? Does the implanon, mirena, etc...totally stop periods? I heard in most people they do (but I also know people who never "adjust" to it and get random periods constantly). What about the depo-shots?

Personal experiences, anyone? Is it best to just pick one and try it out? (I'm familiar with the risks and what not--obviously that's considered)

[shoshannah]

The only one I have personal experience with is the 28-day pill. I actually started taking it for the sole purpose of regulating, although after meeting my fiance I also began using it as birth control. That being said, I think that both the patch and the ring can be used for period regulation as well.

[kira]

It's random what the hormonal implants will do to your periods or if your body will even accept them. Some stop getting periods and some end up with even more random periods than before. My body rejected it and after much pain pushed the mirena out. They probably aren't the best choice for specifically regulating periods unless you have trouble remembering other methods. Nuvaring is a non pill option and I did much research before trying it but it can be left in for the full 4 weeks until you get a new one without risk of pregnancy if you want to skip a few periods. Another good option if you do take pills well is seasonique which not only is a 3 month cycle so only a few periods a year but has no inactive pills. The pills for your period are just lower dose so your period is lighter. I only bleed for one day on seasonique and I used to have horrible periods with massive blood loss. I'd go through a heavy tampon and heavy pad every hour. I had to miss school every time I had a period because we were the first class to try block scheduling with only 4 longer classes a day and my periods were random so I did go home once with my pants all bloodied up in front of everyone.