PULSE NEW OPTIONS IN BIRTH CONTROL.

Byline: Mariko Thompson Staff Writer

Between the skin patch, the vaginal ring and improvements on the ever- popular pill, women have more birth control options from which to choose. Dr. Jennifer Berman, founder of UCLA's Female Sexual Medicine Center, will explore these latest innovations in birth control at a free seminar 6:30 p.m. Thursday at UCLA.

The birth control pill has long been a favorite among women, with nearly one in five choosing this method. Instead of the standard 28-day pill regimen, women now can opt for an oral contraceptive that runs on a 91-day cycle. The Seasonale birth control pill has 84 days of active pills and seven days of placebo. Women menstruate only four times a year.

Berman says Seasonale is just as safe as the 28-day cycle pills. When a woman takes the birth control pill, she doesn't have a real period anyway since she's not ovulating. During the week of placebo pills, it's the lack of estrogen that thickens the lining of the uterus, which is then shed, Berman says.

``This is a new option and has the potential for minimizing the side effects in a woman's life,'' she says. ``The advantage is not getting a period, not getting heavy bleeding and PMS.''

Non-pill options released in the last few years include the dermal patch, the vaginal ring and a new generation of intrauterine devices. Ortho Evra is a skin patch that releases the hormones estrogen and progestin. The patch, which can be applied to the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or outer-arm area, is worn for three weeks and stays on when exercising, swimming and showering.

NuvaRing, a flexible ring about the size of a silver dollar, is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones for three weeks. The ring stays in place during sexual intercourse. The Mirena Intrauterine System, used by European women for more than a decade, is a T-shaped device that prevents fertilization and implantation of the egg. The Mirena also emits a low dose of hormones to reduce menstrual cramping and bleeding.

``I look forward to new developments and strategies,'' Berman says. ``Hopefully we'll see male contraceptives as well.''

Berman will speak at the Louis Jolyon West Auditorium, 720 Westwood Blvd., on the UCLA campus. To reserve a seat, please call [phone].

PINK-RIBBON PRODUCTS: Support a good cause and add some sparkle to your accessories with the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade's pink-ribbon necklace and key-chain locket. The pink-ribbon pendant ($7.50) features pink rhinestones and hangs on a 16-inch chain. The heart-shaped locket key chain ($5) has pink rhinestones with white rhinestone accents and a pink ribbon symbol at the top. Net proceeds go toward awareness and education programs, preventive screenings, treatment and support services. To order, call [phone] or visit avonfoundation.org.

COPING WITH ALZHEIMER'S: A teleconference examining Alzheimer's disease will be open to the public at three sites in the San Fernando Valley at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. The teleconference, hosted by the Hospice Foundation of America and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of San Fernando, will be moderated by ABC News correspondent Cokie Roberts. A panel of experts will review the diagnosis, progression and treatment of the disease. They also will discuss innovative programs for patients and caregivers. The live broadcast will be televised at Sepulveda Veterans Administration Building 200, 16111 Plummer St. in North Hills; Glendale Adventist Medical Center at 1509 Wilson Terrace in Glendale; and the Alzheimer's Association Greater San Fernando Valley Regional Office at California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St. A lunch reservation is required at the Glendale site and the meal costs $7. To register, call Marjorie Clark-Dunn at [phone].

HEALTH FAIR: The Actors' Fund of America and Valley Community Clinic will host an entertainment industry health fair on Thursday to assist the uninsured and underinsured in finding services and affordable health plans. General health checkups, dental checkups, vision screenings, nutrition counseling and information on a wide variety of health services will be offered. The fair will be held at Valley Community Clinic at 6801 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood, from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information about the event, call Valley Community Clinic at [phone], Ext. 201.

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(1) Dr. Jennifer Berman, founder of UCLA's Female Sexual Medicine Center, will discuss birth control innovations at a free seminar Thursday on the Westwood campus.

(2 -- 3) no caption (Avon Breast Cancer Crusader's pink-ribbon necklace and key-chain locket)