Wyeth won FDA approval for Lybrel , a pill that eliminates monthly periods. Of course, the question remains: will women use it? Seasonale, a pill that reduces menstruation to four times a year, has been a bit player in the hormonal birth control option since it came on the market, largely because women report being uncomfortable with not knowing if they're pregnant or not. Although the monthly period a woman has while on the pill is a false period, that merely mimics natural and normal body function, it serves as a visible reminder that there was no failure in the birth control method - or allows for the option of choice if failure did occur.
Eliminating the period also eliminates the reassurance most women who are using the pill seek. Now granted, there are women who are using the pill for other reasons - endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc - and for them this will likely be a great option. But I remain unconvinced that Lybrel will be able to capture a market that Seasonale was unable to make a dent in.
Eliminating the period also eliminates the reassurance most women who are using the pill seek. Now granted, there are women who are using the pill for other reasons - endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc - and for them this will likely be a great option. But I remain unconvinced that Lybrel will be able to capture a market that Seasonale was unable to make a dent in.