This study examines women’s experiences of, and attitudes towards, menstruation and menstrual suppression. Using a grounded theory, approach one-on-one interviews with women highlight common motives behind the decision making process to manipulate and/or suppress menstrual cycles through use of hormonal contraception. While current advertisements by pharmaceutical companies for contraceptives work to be an influencer for menstrual suppression, they often fail to portray accurate representations of women and women’s lives. Instead of being influenced by these advertisements, women are more and
more commonly utilizing health care professionals, the Internet and friends as sources of information about contraception and menstrual suppression. This study highlights the contradictions experienced by women who wish to use hormonal contraceptives to continuously alleviate pain associated with menstruation, or for contraceptive purposes, but are hesitant about the presence of synthetic hormones in their bodies. While convenience is attractive, many women prefer to remain natural.