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One of the main concerns regarding its effects is whether the hormonal medication has the potential to cause weight gain.
This question arises because many women feel like they have gained weight. After all, does this really happen?
Initially, it is important to point out that there is no single correct answer, as each organism reacts differently to the use of the pill.
To better understand how it works and how it reacts in the body, read the following post “ Myth or truth: does taking birth control pills make you gain weight? ”.
HOW DOES THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL PREVENT PREGNANCY?
How the pill works is by providing the body with artificial hormones to suppress ovulation. These hormones – analogs to estrogen and progesterone – are picked up by the pituitary gland (brain gland), which realizes that these chemicals are already present in adequate amount in the body and, therefore, halts the secretion of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).
A CHANGE ON THE SCALE DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN WEIGHT GAIN
The doses of oestrogen and progesterone in the 1960s, when the first pills first surfaced, were far larger than those used in the 2000s, which resulted in rather serious side effects including notable weight gain and appetite increase.
But the most current medications have hormone levels up to 10 times lower than those of the first oral contraceptives, hence the incidence and intensity of these side effects have been drastically lowered.
But upon beginning the pill, many women may find a rise of about 2 kg; this can be explained by a predisposition to retain fluids.
Stated differently, weight increase may signal that the lady is more bloated, which also helps to produce cellulite; it does not always mean she has gained weight.
Usually more intense in the first three months of pill use, this difficulty in eliminating extra liquids varies depending on personal traits and various lifestyle choices including salt intake, water intake, and physical activity.
Therefore, it is believed that the scale would return to normal in a short period by implementing good behaviors.
CAN CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS MAKE WEIGHT LOSS HARD?
When a woman does not use the contraceptive pill and ovulation occurs normally, the body experiences a spike in testosterone, a hormone normally associated with men, but which also needs to exist in small quantities in the female body.
In this case, testosterone is responsible for increasing desire, increasing the chances of pregnancy by favoring sexual relations.
However, this hormone has other effects on women’s bodies, such as:
- increased disposition;
- reduction of anxiety;
- gain muscle mass ;
- fat loss.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR WEIGHT KEEP INCREASING?
Considering only the use of the contraceptive pill and without considering other external factors, it is expected that, after about three months of use, the woman will be able to eliminate fluid retention and return to her previous weight.
If this does not happen and the scale continues to rise, you must first look at your own eating habits and exercise habits.
If, even though you are maintaining a balanced diet and exercising, you continue to gain weight, it is advisable to speak to your gynecologist to assess whether this contraceptive is the most suitable option.
Depending on the case, it may be necessary to replace testosterone to achieve hormonal rebalance and restore the body’s normal functions (which must always be done under medical guidance and supervision).
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL
In addition to fluid retention, oral contraceptives can cause side effects such as:
- nausea;
- headache ;
- breast pain;
- feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially in the first months of use..
CONCLUSION
As shown in the post “ Myth or truth: does taking birth control pills make you gain weight? ”, weight gain while using the pill should not be seen in isolation as a direct side effect.
The contraceptive pill or any other hormonal contraceptive method must always be monitored by a doctor such as a gynecologist.
The professional evaluates the body globally depending on the needs and medical background of the patient and select the appropriate course of action for every lady.
Therefore, in addition to adjusting the prescription when needed, the specialist can determine which elements are causing weight increase if one is experiencing it while using the contraceptive.
