Early versions of the pill offered to women in the 1960s could well have caused women to gain weight, as they contained very high levels of oestrogen, which can increase your appetite and fluid retention. Many people think it could cause you to gain weight. Weight gain is often reported as a side effect of the contraceptive pill, so often that it has been listed as a common side effect on the information sheets which accompany your prescription. Nature is just about the best thing we’ve got! It’s often considered as fluid retention and subside within two to three months. Because of the plethora of pill brands available in Australia, women seeking medical advice for contraception are urged to visit their GP. Long-term changes in weight have not been attributed to the pill. What are the best foods to eat during winter? I hope you aren't taking the pill for breast growth. According to Dr. Anne Burke, an associate professor of gynecology at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, very few women experience significant weight gain on the Pill.   This was defined as a weight gain of 5% of body weight or more during the first six months on the shots. I would advise doing your best to avoid salty and sugary foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine. Studies show an average gain of 3 pounds or less, and there’s no proof that the weight gain was solely a result of using an implant. The only way to really know is to try it and see. While the pill may cause short-term weight gain, the Depo-Provera hormone shot has been linked to longer-term weight gain. 0 0. The remaining trials compared weight changes between women taking different oral contraceptives. The pill itself will not make you gain. When the birth control pill … What You Should Know About the Morning-After Pill. Awfully depressing, :(! Because it's such a widely reported symptom, scientists have investigated the link between weight gain and birth control many times over. Before taking a weight gain pill, talk to your doctor. Many women believe that the pill can cause weight gain. That’s as easy as having one biscuit, an extra couple of tablespoons of rice or pasta or a slightly larger glass of wine. Could going meat-free help symptoms of PMS, How to get a good night's sleep on your period. The pill is also often prescribed at a time when a young woman hasn't finished growing into her adult body. As the A.Vogel  Women’s Health advisor, I recommend Agnus castus to help relieve premenstrual symptoms such as painful periods. Without further ado, here’s the real skinny on this topic…. Contraceptives that contain progesterone may cause your body to retain more water than usual and increase your appetite for food. Idowu explained that high doses of these hormones can cause excess water retention and increased appetite, both of which can cause weight gain. 'If your weight does change while you are using hormonal birth control, consider whether there may be other causes which could be addressed such as a change in your diet or lack of exercise.'. However, there is evidence that the pill can cause other changes to your body shape, which could be mistaken for weight gain. Understanding how the implant works is … And according to Australian doctor Dr Jill Thistlethwaite, the answer is: 'Probably not'. Any weight gain can be related to other lifestyle changes which happen to coincide with taking the pill. If you are looking for a birth control pill that is least associated with weight gain and fluid retention, that would be with the fourth generation progestin drospirenone. Incredible! But before explaining how this happens, answer the following question: Is it normal to faint during your period? It doesn't necessarily mean that you need to stop taking the medication ASAP. The average weight gain with Depo Provera is 5.6 pounds in the first year. Does birth control pills make you gain weight? None of these showed a link between taking the pill and weight gain. 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441582/, 2https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/26/7/1917/2913904, 3http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20181003-does-the-birth-control-pill-make-you-fat, 4https://www.fasebj.org/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.955.25. Compared to men, women’s bodies have lower levels of androgens (steroid hormones), which are involved in building muscles and keeping bones strong. Ask your gyno. 5 reasons to cut back on caffeine during your period. Most women have heard this and are reluctant to take the pill for contraceptive purposes because they don’t want to gain unwanted weight. When it comes to the pill, this bloating can be experienced at different times of the month too. Does the pill make you gain weight? This weight gain may stem from the dose you are taking, HOW you are taking the medication or the frequency with which you are taking progesterone. Do you ever think that there are some pills that make you gain weight? We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Plus, the synthetic oestrogen within the pill is stronger than natural oestrogen, therefore this could be responsible for excess bloating if you’re on the pill.3. Looking for help to reduce feelings of fatigue and tiredness? Why does birth control make you gain weight. Some teens gain weight and some teens lose weight while on the Pill, but most stay exactly the same. Keep reading to learn why you may gain weight, other potential side effects, and more. Photographer captures beauty of albino skin in people across the globe including an Indian girl who can only... How to retire in style! But if you didn't seem to gain much weight, then you should be fine going back on it again. A look at the link between tamoxifen and weight gain. The fourth-generation progestin drospirenone (Yaz, Yasmin) may actually reduce acne and cause weight loss. If your fat distribution is altered you may find that you carry more fat around your hips, thighs and breasts as a result of the hormones from the pill. Although the pill has not been proven to cause weight gain, research has shown that it could impede the process of building muscle and have an effect on your gym progress. I have been on the pill for 8 months now and I am trying to lose a bit of weight as i have noticed I am getting 'curvier'. A 100 years ago, 16 was the average age for a girl to get her first period in the UK but now this has dropped to just 12! A review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most women. Magnesium is a great tool for tackling bloating. Woman reveals trick for checking and is shocked to discover her... Be careful what you ask for! Many women experience bloating in their abdomen, hands, feet and breasts the week before their period, even if they aren’t on the pill. I look at the research and share the best birth control options to prevent weight gain. If you have constantly gained weight (or even if you just aren't losing weight) there are several steps you can take to figure out if the dose of thyroid medication you are taking is working in your body. There’s been a ton of research on the birth control pill, and studies have shown that using the birth control pill does not make you gain or lose weight.. Brace yourself for the unashamed mother who's... Puppy love! Eat little and often, and try to avoid caving into cravings for heavily processed, fatty foods. We asked Dr Sarah Welsh straight up ‘does the Pill make you put on weight’ and this is what she had to say, “ … Dr Jill said different women have different hormonal reactions to the combined oral contraceptive pill and the progestogen-only pill. Because of the hormone-balancing effects, yes, it’s theoretically possible that taking maca root pills or powder could make you gain weight. however I cant stop taking it, as it's vital I … 0 0. Basically, 75 percent of women likely won’t gain weight from the shot. Why weight gain is possible. Included is detail on why weight gain can occur in breast cancer treatment, and other side effects. The pill is the number one method of birth control used by Australian women and there are dozens of different brands available on the market, making the right choice all the more difficult to find. There’s been a ton of research on the birth control pill, and studies have shown that using the birth control pill does not make you gain or lose weight.. Let me explain how oral estrogen leads to weight gain. Have a look at our Get Active hub to find out some fun and easy ways to get yourself moving, or check out our Food hub for some healthy inspiration! Women often blame the pill for fluctuating weight, and it's a common qualm directed at GPs who are asked the same question time and time again. Top tip: Your diet is really important when it comes to bloating during your period. All of these symptoms can lead to the impression that you have gained weight because of the pill, even if that is not the case. Writing for Body + Soul, Dr Jill said weight gain is not directly linked to usage of oral contraception and finally put to bed the longtime myth. Birth Control With Least Weight Gain. If your fluid retention is increased, this might also be responsible for swollen breasts, as well as swelling in your abdomen, hands and feet. What I want you to know is all the dirty little secrets about these guys so that you can make an informed decision and make a wiser and healthier choice for your body. To find local independent stores in your area that sell Balance Mineral Drink, simply type your postcode below. What to do if you think Levothyroxine is Causing Weight Gain. ive been on the pill for nearly 5 years and i havent gained ANY weight. The pill does not make you gain weight, it can make you retain water though. Weight Gain & Oral Estrogen. Whether you want to gain weight to fill out your jeans or to make a certain cut for a sports team, you may have considered taking a weight gain supplement. Try Yaz or something similar which has a hormone in it that acts like a diuretic. Drink lots of water and don’t forget to exercise! Can your period change your toilet habits? If you are under 25 then you will usually gain weight whether you are on the pill or not as your internal organs finish growing bigger and your body deposits fat in … Research hasn’t found this – but it has found that it can change body shape (and fat storage) in other surprising ways. You can find a guide on how to properly dose Levothyroxine here. How's yours? Let’s be honest, ladies- going on the birth control pill is the pits. Is it a myth or a truth that the birth control in the form of a pill make you gain weight? Some studies found that compared to people not using any contraception, there was no clear weight gain. Distinctly possible, weight gain is one of the most common side affects of the pill. About 70% of people in the United States are overweight and, in a catch-22, many of the drugs used to treat conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can cause weight gain. The pill does not make you gain weight, it can make you retain water though. Nowadays, however, the pill uses a much smaller dose of hormones, so it is less likely to cause increased appetite, and any fluid retention should only be temporary. Nope! When wading through the murky waters of birth control and the complicated, unique effects it can have on a woman's hormones, it is best the seek the advice of professional doctors (Stock image). So, although the pill has not been directly linked to weight gain, it does seem to have an effect on muscle growth, which could explain why you feel like your efforts at the gym aren’t paying off. So, the pill has not been found to cause weight gain, but it could be responsible for a change in your body shape. "The weight gain or water retention resolves within a few months." "Women don't usually complain of bloating on these pills," says Minkin. I don’t think the studies shown quoted here are enough to conclude that the pill does not cause weight gain. This Site Might Help You. Actually, some ladies gain weight while some of the ladies lose their weight once they are off the pills. Any contraceptive pill has the potential to cause some fluid retention and a little weight gain, especially in the first two or three months after starting to take it. Frequently asked, personal periods questions answered! Does the pill make you gain weight? It's almost the same with birth control; there's always a risk for weight gain as a side effect due to appetite changes, but it's all about how you handle your intake. Did you know the average age of starting your periods has changed? Does the pill make you gain weight? I go swimming and eat fairly healthy but I just find it hard to lose weight and wonder if it has anything to do with me taking the pill. Graphic designer famed for his VERY literal interpretation of Photoshop... Do YOU think childminders should let toddlers watch TV? In this blog I’ll put to rest these rumours, while explaining why some bodily changes caused by the pill may be perceived as weight gain. Because it's such a widely reported symptom, scientists have investigated the link between weight gain and birth control many times over. Yes, It Can. Does the Pill make you gain weight? Some contraceptive pills have as a side effect the increase in fluid retention and also a slight weight gain, however, these side effects are more common in continuous use pills and subcutaneous implants. It is a common question and one of the greatest myths about the pill. Some girls report slight to moderate weight gain while they’re on the Pill—but actually, weight gain is rare. Unfortunately, only the pill contains drospirenone, according to the FDA. You doctor will be able to recommend a suitable pill and will make sure there are no other causes for your weight gain. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Source(s): I've been on the pill for 2 years. 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I now add it to my daily smoothie as part of my routine healthy eating.”. I've been on the pill for almost a year now, and I'm almost certain I've gained a little weight. Most women gain a few pounds at least. I'm pretty sure that almost all of them can cause weight gain (aside from surgial methods). However, it has not been found to actually increase how much fat is stored in the body. It has been our experience that multiple side effects can occur including weight gain and sugar and carbohydrate (bad carbs) cravings. 10 things that can negatively affect your period, 9 side effects of the pill and how to overcome them, 5 vitamins and minerals to help you through your period. An instant strawberry-flavoured drink containing mineral salts, trace elements and l+ lactic acid …More info, Contains Milk Thistle, Artichoke, Dandelion and Boldo. A research study was conducted and the results are surprising and helpful. Does the pill make you more sensitive to caffeine? Q: Does the pill make you gain weight? If you’re really concerned about your weight fluctuating on the pill, try a brand that has less than 20 mcg of estrogen. Also, you can retain fluids on the pill, which can seem like a gain… Back to Health Insights. Don't take the pill if you are a smoker. But, there is the possibility that that you will gain weight due to water retention. Does the birth control pill make you gain weight? The effects on weight gain and weight-related side effects can be summarized as: Combination birth control with estrogen and progesterone has been shown not to cause weight gain in most; Progesterone only pills have no been shown to cause moderate weight gain, about 5 … Some women have gain considerable weight while women gain slightly. Speak to your doctor if you would like to switch to a different pill. 'Evidence from clinical studies of over 11,000 women suggests that most women won't gain weight from taking the pill. Is it a myth or a truth that the birth control in the form of a pill make you gain weight? She said: 'It can make you more emotional because we are giving synthetic hormones at levels higher than in the body.' Answer Save. However, this is usually just water weight which should subside once menstruation begins. A 2014 review looked at 49 different studies of combined pills and found no evidence that the contraceptive pill causes significant weight gain. 1 decade ago. They make you retain water which can result in gaining weight. Anonymous. If you think you have not taken your pill properly you should take a pregnancy test to make sure this is not the cause of any new weight gain. Natural sources of magnesium include bananas and dark chocolate and A.Vogel’s Balance Mineral Drink contains a mixture of vital nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and vitamin D – try adding it to a fruit smoothie or mixing with water for a refreshing strawberry drink. But a large review of the research has failed to find a link between the contraceptive pill and weight gain, finding that women tend to gain weight as they age, regardless of whether or not they take the pill.1. If you read the side effect information on what comes with your pills it usually says the likelihood of this. The comments below have not been moderated. Top tips for coping with your period during summer. Estrogen taken in a pill form overloads your liver with excessive amounts of estrogen that increase harmful proteins, clotting factors and proinflammatory substances leading to various problems. Can vitamin D deficiency make your period worse? As Richardson emphasizes, though, the evidence points solely to water weight rather than an actual increase in fat or body mass. Does birth control make you gain weight or not is a highly debated topic. It's Dubai to all that! Some people think that the hormones in the pill cause weight gain or weight loss, but that’s not true. This causes swollen ankles, breast tenderness, discomfort with contact lenses, or a weight gain of up to five pounds. The estrogen in the pill can cause weight gain due to increased breast, hip, or thigh tissue, usually after several months on the pill. Maca Root Weight Gain: It’s Not As Bad As You Think. Weight gain is often considered a side effect of using combination contraceptives (that is, an estrogen plus a progestin) 1) and many women and clinicians believe that an association exists. If you are looking for a birth control pill that is least associated with weight gain and fluid retention, that would be with the fourth generation progestin drospirenone. Question. Is it normal to get a cold before your period? Birth control pills do not make you gain weight directly. Top tip: If you are on the combined pill and you feel like this might be stopping you from progressing in sports and other activities, talk to your doctor. if you do they can change it for you to something which doesnt :) 0 0. Why is my menstrual cycle lasting longer than usual? A 36-month study found that early weight gain was a predictor of significant weight gain. But then again, every girl is different, and my friends body maybe just didn't like the pill. Putnem. Over the years, we have treated clients in our hormone and weight loss programs who take sleeping pills and/or anti-depressants. 'Although minor side effects such as headaches, irregular bleeding, bloating, and acne are quite common. Diet and exercise are, of course, very important. If you’re considering the Pill as an option, the possibility of weight gain shouldn’t be the deciding factor as it is an uncommon side effect. Published: 02:14 GMT, 9 November 2017 | Updated: 07:30 GMT, 9 November 2017. Golden Retriever who initially thought new arrival was a toy now watches over him... Mother-of-three who was kicked off a  fairground ride for being too big when she tipped scales at 274lbs... How much are YOU really spending on Amazon? Although most studies are not conclusive about the relationship between weight gain and the use of contraceptive patches, there are some women who are more prone to weight gain from the patch than others:. These changes may lead to weight gain over time. Like weight gain, this is due to the oestrogen in the combined pill. Try to remember to watch your portion sizes, avoid fast food, and eat 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. For example, a weight gain of 7lb in a year might sound a lot – and be put down to taking the pill. 5 years ago. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441582/, https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/26/7/1917/2913904, http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20181003-does-the-birth-control-pill-make-you-fat, https://www.fasebj.org/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.955.25, Read more articles from our women's health advisor Emma Thornton. Does the contraceptive pill make you gain weight? We have two main types of fat in our body: visceral fat is found around our organs, and subcutaneous fat lies under the skin. Cortisol, one of our main stress hormones, is associated with the breakdown of muscle and prevents tissue growth. Relevance. Nope! How does this happen? If you are taking routine medication, this could be the main reason for your body to rise. Studies have shown mixed reports on the effects of different combined contraceptive pill brands on weight changes. “I am now a regular purchaser of this product; it’s really helped me with fatigue. Read more >. First, the broad study is essentially inconclusive. Source(s): I've been on the pill for 2 years. There may be another form of contraceptive available that won’t impact your lifestyle in this way. Can all drugs make fat? The main cause of the pain you ... Also available in 100ml and 60 tablets.More info, Period pain or dysmenorrhoea, can be caused by a number of reasons. Qualified Nutritionist (BSc, MSc, RNutr) @EmmaThornton Then look no further than Balance Mineral Drink! Most women have heard this and are reluctant to take the pill for contraceptive purposes because they don’t want to gain unwanted weight. It's the hotly-contested side effect of taking the contraceptive pill which has been debated for decades and the real medical truth has long remained shrouded in mystery. Finally, if your muscle growth is affected you might feel like this is impeding on your sporting progress. I think that birth control that doesn't make you gain weight doesn't exist, but I also do believe that gaining the weight after taking od the pills is happening because of some hormonal imbalance. Typically, these don't lead to weight gain because drospirenone acts as a diuretic, keeping you from retaining water. However, taking hormonal birth control of any kind, such as the pill, an IUD, or an implant, may prompt your body to retain more fluid before your period. The pill also clears up your complexion which most women love. Lv 4. I have read and agree to A.Vogel’s Privacy Policy, Search for your nearest store in the UK by inserting your post code below, Echinacea - finding the right product for you. This bloating can often be perceived as weight gain. PMS through the ages: what to expect and how to prepare, Understanding your period and hormone imbalance. A more transient weight gain usually occurs in most women during the week before menstruation and this can be exaggerated when on the pill, the weight being lost when menstruation begins. While weight gain is listed as a side effect of pretty much all types of birth control, progestin-only pills and the Depo-Provera shot can make it so that you can’t button your favorite skinny jeans. A: According to experts, the answer is no. Other studies found that some people gained about 7% of their weight after 1 year, and some actually lost weight after a year. Women often blame the pill for fluctuating weight and it's a common qualm directed at GPs who are asked the same question time and time again (Stock image), The pill is the number one method of birth control used by Australian women and there are dozens of different brands available on the market, making the right choice all the more difficult to find (Stock image). As Richardson emphasizes, though, the evidence points solely to water weight rather than an actual increase in fat or body mass. Ask a GP: Does birth control cause gain weight. (For example, a weight gain of 5 pounds in a 100-pound woman or 10 pounds in a 200-pound woman). Some people think that the hormones in the pill cause weight gain or weight loss, but that’s not true. Sometimes us girls can mistake body changes and adjustments for weight gain when viewing our bodies on a daily basis. 'Evidence from clinical studies of over 11,000 women suggests that most women won't gain weight from taking the pill. We asked Dr Sarah Welsh straight up ‘does the Pill make you put on weight’ and this is what she had to say, “ The vast majority of women do not gain weight due to taking the Pill, but it is a possible side effect for a few women. Plus, not only can the pill affect muscle growth in this way, but this study also found that women who were on the pill produced higher levels of cortisol than the other women. Swelling: some women feel more swollen when using contraceptive patches.This may occur because their circulatory system is not working correctly and can slow down more with hormones. Or is it putting a hormone in me that makes me gain weight? Home › Does Your Sleeping Pill Make You Gain Weight? Emma Thornton Favorite Answer. I am the lucky one because none of those happened to me. The progesterone-only pill (as the name suggests) doesn’t contain any oestrogen, which is often the driver for side effects such as weight gain.