Theory of Seasonale

Thank you for the compliment.

There is no obligation to be niddah – only to observe the relevant halachot when you are. Women who go from pregnancy to nursing to pregnancy can end up being niddah only once every year or two.

The spotting that can occur with prolonged use of hormonal contraception (and our anecdotal experience is that this is fairly common) can sometimes also render a woman niddah. This can create real difficulties, as it is unpredictable and one can end up becoming niddah soon after mikveh use. Therefore, for many women, a monthly predictable period works better.

On the other hand, not all women spot, and there is no way to know how a particular woman will react without trying. Therefore, a woman can decide to try this method. She and her husband should be prepared for a difficult beginning and be willing to give it at least a few months, since spotting does sometimes lessen as the body gets use to the new hormonal milieu.

A woman who tries Seasonale, and finds that it continues to cause spotting, could discuss with her physician the use of a different formulation. The active pills of any combination contraceptive can be extended for longer than the traditional 3 weeks to allow one to become niddah less often. In that case, it often helps to build up slowly (3 weeks the first cycle, 4 weeks the second etc).