KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasFDA Approves Lybrel, But Controversy Remains

FDA Approves Lybrel, But Controversy Remains

Eye on Health reported this week that the FDA has approved Lybrel, a new birth control pill that eliminates a woman's menstrual period. Eyewitness News has learned, though, that not everyone thinks it's a good idea.

Lybrel is the first low-dose contraceptive pill approved by the FDA that gives women an option to stop their menstrual cycle for an indefinite period of time. The benefits would include an end to severe cramping and Las Vegas OB/GYN, John Martin believes there's no harm in skipping the menstrual cycle -- by way of hormone medication.

"It's actually abnormal for a woman not on birth control to miss periods or not have regular cycles. It's not healthy for them," said Martin. "But because the pill balances it hormonally, it is OK for them not to get a monthly cycle."

But those like medical researcher Linda Andrist want more study on Lybrel's long term safety.

"We don't know about bone health, breast cancer, heart disease, strokes especially for young women," said Andrist.

Lybrel does come with the same side effects seen with other birth control pills -- an increased risk of blood clots, and high blood pressure. And there are some doctors who say a menstrual cycle is essential in determining women's overall health. And without a period how would you know if the pill worked? You could be pregnant and not even know.

But overall, Dr. Martin sees Lybrel as a safe. "I think this is a very exciting option for women. I think they if you talk to most women, they hate their periods. And this allows them to have protection from pregnancy safely to avoid having periods and I think it's a wonderful form of birth control."

Lybrel is expected to be available by prescription this summer.