Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain: What You Should Know

The controversy over birth control pills and weight gain continues to wage. Pro-advocates declare that studies prove that birth control pills do not cause weight gain, but many regular users say they do.

Birth control pills and weight gain was a greater problem when the birth control pill was first made available. These pills had a higher level of estrogen and made weight gain harder to control.

There are two basic types of birth control pills. The most common type of pill is a combination of estrogen and progestin and the other type is called the minipill and only contains progestin. The minipill is used more commonly for women who are breastfeeding. Both pills prevent ovulation, prevent sperm from reaching the egg and make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself in the lining of the uterus.

There are numerous birth control side effects.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness and swelling
• Increase in muscles
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Water retention
• Mood changes
• Irregular bleeding
• Bloating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight Gain

According to the list of birth control pill side effects and weight gain is a serious matter to be contended with. Weight gain does not necessarily mean more fat cells. It may also come in the form of muscle increase from the male hormone, progesterone, or water retention. As a result most women taking birth control pills will see the number on their scales go up.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.