Dec. 27, 99 -- Women, how'd you like to avoid having a period every month?

Pam Bauer: "That would be fabulous. Nobody likes to have their period. It's a pain in the neck."

You may not have to suffer as often. Dr. Gary Hodgen of East Virginia Medical School is studying a new birth control pill it's called Seasonale. It's taken for 84 consecutive days, then stopped to allow a regular period for seven days.

Dr. Gary Hodgen, Researcher: "If this is done as a regimen throughout a year, there would be only four times to bleed per year."

That's right, just four times a year. And wehave the hormones to do it.

Dr. Gary Hodgen: "These things are already here, but they're not in a specific product designed and approved as Seasonale will be."

Some people worry that taking the pill for so many consecutive days and then having fewer periods may be risky but Hodgen says for most women it would be safe since for them, the hormones are not dangerous.

Dr. Gary Hodgen: "That gives us confidence that it will be safe, not toxic, well tolerated and will get a good result."

Some experts say the new pill might actually provide some health benefits; less bleeding means less anemia, it means less pain from fibroids and endometriosis. More study is clearly needed.

If the FDA approves the new pill, it may be appropriate for use by thirty million women.

Veronica Brown: "Boy that would be good. That would be nice."

Keep in mind, the ability to take any hormones, not to mention what the safe and appropriate dose is, depends on a woman's condition and history. Some women may not be able to take the pill at all; some may not be able to take this type. Those who can may reap real benefits and comfort. If it's approved it may be available within two years.