No period on progesterone

Can you tell me if there are any halachik problems or health risks involved in taking Errin. Apparently it is a birth control pill that will completely stop a woman from having her period until she stops taking the pill.

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

Errin is a progesterone only pill. It may lead to amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), which is not a problem. However, it may also lead to breakthrough bleeding. How long it would be medically advised for you to not to menstruate should be discussed with your health care provider.

One is obligated to follow hilchot niddah when one has the requisite uterine bleeding. However, one is not obligated to be niddah otherwise, so there is no halachic problem with not getting your period. For information on when birth control may be used, please see Reasons to Permit Contraception.

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