[pct-l] skipping menstral cycle

[emily@greenwitch.com (Emily Katt)]

I'm new to the list (considering hike in a few years, but mostly just
interested in learning new things for now) and wanted to point out that
you can avoid having mentral periods altogether by using birth control
pills and skipping the placebo pills. There have been a number of articles
on this lately and most doctors will tell you it's very safe, especially
if you are only considering doing it short term (i.e. not years and
years). Granted, birth control pills are not for everyone, and some people
experience side effects whether they are skipping the placebos or not, but
this would definitely be the option I would pick. There are new pill
packages to be released soon (potentially) which contain 90-day supplies
of pills (resulting in a period every three months, for those concerned
about possible health hazards (by which I am suggesting that official
testing has been conducted, and not just word of mouth). However, doctors
have been recommending this for years, sort of unofficially.

As a side note, Instead Cups are GREAT and I recommend highly for regular
use (they are a bit tricky to get the hang of, though very easy to use
once you do), but the logistics on the trail would be overwhelming. Not to
mention the hygiene issues when you've been hiking all day (they have no
applicator). Besides which, I should think packing out used tampons and
their contents would be the best choice, rather than emptying a cup.

I actually had this discussion with a friend yesterday, which is why I
felt it neccessary to chime in with my opinion.

Good luck to everyone setting out this year.

emily.

======
emily katt.
emily@greenwitch.com
415.412.0736