These pills work by inhibiting ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle.
While the primary purpose of birth control pills is to prevent pregnancy, they offer additional benefits.
For women, birth control pills are one of the most common methods of contraceptives. Women across the globe commonly use contraceptive pills to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Although these pills are generally deemed safe, there have been concerns raised regarding their potential effects on other bodily functions.
While the primary purpose of birth control pills is to prevent pregnancy, they offer additional benefits. One such benefit is the regulation of the menstrual cycle, which can help alleviate symptoms like irregular bleeding, heavy periods, and menstrual cramps. Many women who take birth control pills under medical guidance report experiencing relief from menstrual pain. However, it’s important to note that using birth control pills may also lead to certain side effects.
Weight gain following the administration of birth control pills is a frequently encountered issue. Understanding the connection between birth control pills and weight gain is important. These pills work by inhibiting ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle in women. They typically contain synthetic hormones, such as progestin and estrogen. It weakens the lining of the uterus and prevents the implantation of the ovum and the sperm in the uterus. Birth control pills are sometimes prescribed for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The decision to stop taking birth control pills is a personal one. It depends on factors like lifestyle changes, personal health-related issues and family planning objectives. A few women experience side effects like headaches, nausea, mood swings, and sexual changes while taking these pills.
A 2020 study found that pills containing estrogen and progestin increased body fat in women trying to lose weight. Meanwhile, a 2014 study found that oral birth control pills did not cause short-term weight loss in obese women.
Some of the causes of weight gain after birth control are:
- Hormonal changes: Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones such as estrogen and progestin. These hormones affect appetite. Some women may gain weight because they eat more than usual.
- Fluid Retention: Hormonal birth control pills can cause fluid retention in some women. Due to this, water retention in the body increases and temporary weight gain is likely to occur.
- Changes in Metabolism: A few changes in metabolism can occur as a result of hormonal changes induced by birth control methods. This affects the body’s ability to process calories and store fat.
- Depends on the individual: Hormonal birth control pills do not have the same effect on everyone. Weight gain is likely due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle and previous metabolic conditions a woman has experienced.
- Type of birth control: Birth control pills can have different effects on body weight. So your weight gain depends on what type of birth control you use.
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise contribute to weight gain after birth control. For example, if you are not doing any physical activity after taking the medication and you are engaging in unhealthy eating habits, there is a chance that you will gain weight.