Pill-free interval for “detox”

Marketing concept of «detox from hormonal pills» – pausing COCs for 3–6 months to «cleanse the body» or prepare for pregnancy. Per ACOG Committee Opinion 2017 and SEGO 2023 this is not a medical indication. COC estrogens and progestins clear within days of discontinuation. Ovulation returns in most women within 1–3 cycles. When planning pregnancy, stop contraception and start planning immediately – no «hormone holiday» is needed. Breaks raise unintended pregnancy risk and do not improve fertility.

1 drug

Also known as: Post-pill detox, Break from the pill

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

FEthinylestradiol + LevonorgestrelNot recommended · Combined oral contraceptives (COC), second generationBlogs and forums advise pausing COCs for 3–6 months so «the body rests from hormones». ACOG Committee Opinion 2017 and SEGO 2023 do not support this. Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel clear within days. Ovulation returns in 1–3 cycles in most women. A break does not improve fertility and raises unintended pregnancy risk. When planning pregnancy, stop the COC and start trying immediately – no «detox» needed. If a clinician recommends a mandatory break without medical reason, consider a second opinion.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit