New pill could cut out periods

Women could soon be able to reduce their periods to only four times a year.

Scientists in America have developed a pill they say can safely alter the menstrual cycle. Called Seasonale, it is a combination of two commonly used hormones already available in oral contraceptives.

Women could cut down the number of periods they have from the usual 13 to four per year by taking the pill for 84 consecutive days and then skipping a week.

Scientists developing the pill claim lengthening the menstrual cycle could be good for women's health and could even boost fertility. Clinical trials on the drug, which began nearly two years ago across the US, are almost complete and Seasonale could be on the market by next year.

Dr Freedolph Anderson, the researcher at East Virginia Medical School overseeing the trials, said side effects should be fewer than for the traditional birth control pill. He said: "Low and ultra-low doses are used, so the side effects should be minimal.

"The main advantages are fewer periods per year, less blood loss and less risk of the side effects of menstruation such as anaemia.

The technique could even prolong fertility, according to Roger Gosden, scientific director of the Medical School. He said: "It might be that if you retain the eggs, the quality might be better later on. The window of fertility could be held back."