Common Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control Pills
Are you thinking of switching birth control or trying a new birth control method? Combination birth control pills, commonly known as “the pill” are a daily medication that contains 2 hormones (estrogen and progestin) to prevent pregnancy. Combination birth control pills are a highly effective way to prevent pregnancy while having the freedom to stop taking them on your own if desired. The hormones used by the combination pill to prevent pregnancy can also affect acne, weight, and more. Before beginning to take birth control, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the side effects that could occur while on the pill.
Risks on the Pill
Because the pill is hormonal, it adds hormones to your body. We may underestimate the influence hormones have on our everyday lives, but the impact can be significant. Those considering taking the birth control pill should be aware that it could raise the risk of certain conditions including:
- Blood clots in the legs
- Heart attacks and stroke, especially if you smoke
- Liver disorders
- Gallbladder disease
Patients who have family medical history or are already at risk of these conditions may be ineligible to take combination oral contraceptives.
Common Side Effects
Beyond these more serious risks, those who do take the pill are likely to experience very mild side effects that typically subside 2-3 months after beginning taking the pill. These potential side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sore breasts
- Changes in your periods
- Spotting between periods
Hormones are the key regulator of many biological functions, and adding hormones to your system may cause changes. This is something to always be aware of when deciding on a method of birth control. There are non-hormonal choices as well that have few or no side effects, something that should be discussed with your doctor.
Positive Side Effects
Beside common negative side effects, the combination pill can also have positive side effects in addition to preventing pregnancy. These benefits include:
- Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and benign breast disease
- Improvement in acne
- Less-severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
- Reduction in androgen production caused by polycystic ovary syndrome
- Reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids and other causes, as well as a reduction in related iron iron-deficiency anemia
- Relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Shorter, lighter and more-predictable periods or, for some types of combination pills, fewer periods yearly
- Better control of monthly cycle and a reduction in hot flashes for women nearing menopause (perimenopause)
Choosing the Right Birth Control for You
Though many women take the pill without little to no issues, hormonal birth control is not for everyone, and there are many other options for patients to consider. Finding the right form of birth control for your lifestyle is something that can easily be accomplished by scheduling an appointment with your doctor or certified nurse-midwife. Your OB/Gyn or certified nurse-midwife is an expert in different birth control methods and will be able to assist you in finding the right one for your body and lifestyle.
Every person’s experience is unique, and the care providers at CT Coastal are experts in providing services to meet the needs of each individual. Visit our Services page to learn more about our practice and contact us here or call 203-562-5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers today. With more than 5 locations throughout Connecticut, we’re here to serve you—with compassion and care.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/combination-birth-control-pills/about/pac-20385282
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