Will the Pill Make Me Put on Weight?

Featured Article, Women's Health
on June 13, 2016
Birth control pills
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From the combined pill to the progesterone-only and the low-dose pill, oral contraceptives are a popular form of family planning. When taken properly, they are more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. However, some women are put off taking the pill because they think it will make them gain weight. If you’re worried about the effect this type of contraception might have on your figure, keep reading.

 

Potential side effects

The pill is associated with a number of potential side-effects, including breast tenderness, headaches, mood swings and nausea, and during the first few months of using it, you might get spotting and breakthrough bleeding between your periods. There is no evidence to suggest that oral contraceptives cause women to put on weight, though, so you don’t have to avoid taking the pill for fear of the impact it will have on your physique. It’s also worth noting that the pill is associated with a range of potentially positive side effects. For example, it can help to lessen the effects of premenstrual syndrome, reduce acne and protect against conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease. You can find out more about the possible effects associated with different contraceptive pill options online.

 

Will the pill make me put on weight?

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If you’re not happy, make a change

Some women find that they are better suited to particular types of pill, so it’s important that you find the right one for you. For example, if you have high blood pressure, a history of blood clots or you are overweight, you may be well advised to use the progesterone-only, or ‘mini’, pill rather than the combined version. Unlike the combined pill, it doesn’t contain oestrogen. There is plenty of information about the differences between the various oral contraceptives online and your doctor or pharmacist will be able to help you choose the best option for you.

As long as you find a pill that suits your specific needs, you shouldn’t suffer any major side effects and, regardless of the oral contraceptive you take, there’s no need to fret about the impact it will have on your figure. However, if you have other concerns about this form of family planning – for example, you’re concerned that you won’t remember to take it every day – it’s worth investigating the other contraceptive options available. These range from the patch and injection to the implant and the intrauterine device. With a total of 15 types of contraception to choose from, you shouldn’t struggle to find one that’s right for you.

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