
These packs typically contain 84 active pills and seven inactive pills. Bleeding may occur every month during the time when you take the inactive pills that are at the end of each pack. You take a pill every day and start a new pack when you finish the old one. Some newer pills may contain only two inactive pills. Formulations containing 24 active pills and four inactive pills, known as a shortened pill-free interval, also are available. One common type contains 21 active pills and seven inactive pills. Better control of the monthly cycle and fewer hot flashes during the time when the body makes the natural transition to menopause, called perimenopauseĬombination birth control pills come in different mixtures of active and inactive pills, including:Ĭonventional pack.

Shorter, lighter periods on an expected schedule or, for some types of combination pills, fewer periods yearly.Treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Decreased heavy menstrual bleeding from uterine fibroids and other causes, as well as a decrease in iron deficiency anemia related to blood loss.Reduced androgen production caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.Less severe menstrual cramps, called dysmenorrhea.

