weight gain on birth control

[rainfall]

I'm not really sure if this belongs in this thread or if there is a better place for it...

 

I was wondering if any women on birth control had any advice on how to stop the weight gain. I am gained about 10-15 pounds since starting to take the pill and it is really starting to depress me.

 

I work out 6 days a week. Even on my off day I still do my ab work and take my dogs for a walk so I am still getting some form of excersise. I eat healthy for the most part as well, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

 

I got fed up a few months back and went off my "diet" for a few weeks and stopped working out and I ended up losing a pound.

 

So anyone have any advice on how to not gain weight on bc and how to lose any weight you have gained?

[Els]

Talk to your doctor/nurse about the effects, and they may be able to suggest a different type of BC. Most women go through several types before they find one that suits them. Be aware that you will be trading off one type of side effect for another, though, usually.

[RiverRunning]

If you say your eating/exercise habits really haven't changed, I'd say it's time for a new pill. But yeah, you're most likely to have some kind of side effect at some point. Have you considered progestin-only pills? They're slightly less effective than combination pills, but in my opinion, they're worth it.

 

I had so many more side effects when I was on combination pills (high blood pressure, breakthrough bleeding every single month for about a week, mood swings, dead sex drive, acne, etc.).

 

I've been on progestin-only for about a year and I got rid of all of my old side effects, for the most part. In my case, my acne did get a bit worse and once or twice, I have had spotting for a day or so. But other than that, so worth it.

 

Most women I know have also had far fewer side effects on the progestin pills.

 

But yeah, it's unrealistic to expect that you will never have a side effect. Alas, you're bound to have something. :/

[Els]

If you say your eating/exercise habits really haven't changed, I'd say it's time for a new pill. But yeah, you're most likely to have some kind of side effect at some point. Have you considered progestin-only pills? They're slightly less effective than combination pills, but in my opinion, they're worth it.

 

I had so many more side effects when I was on combination pills (high blood pressure, breakthrough bleeding every single month for about a week, mood swings, dead sex drive, acne, etc.).

 

I've been on progestin-only for about a year and I got rid of all of my old side effects, for the most part. In my case, my acne did get a bit worse and once or twice, I have had spotting for a day or so. But other than that, so worth it.

 

Most women I know have also had far fewer side effects on the progestin pills.

 

But yeah, it's unrealistic to expect that you will never have a side effect. Alas, you're bound to have something. :/

 

The problem with progestin-only pills is that they significantly increase the risk of a type of cancer (read this back in college, don't want to go hunt for the details now), as well as have a much higher chance of breakthrough bleeding and spotting, and lower efficacy (as you mentioned). All the other side effects of progestin (moodiness, etc) are also exacerbated because there is no estrogen to balance it out. That is why most women are prescribed combination pills, unless they have certain risk factors that rule combination pills out. I'd suggest the OP try a newer-generation combination pill before attempting progestin.

 

Is there any reason you don't want to or can't use barrier methods of contraception, OP?

[Star Gazer]

BC shouldn't cause you to gain 15 pounds. 5 typically, at most. But not 15.

[Lauriebell82]

The pill probably changed your metabolism. I was on depo for over 10 years and it didn't really make me gain weight, I was overweight due to lack of exercise and eating junk. Once I started eating better and working out then weight came off.

 

I do know some women who maintain a normal weight, then start birth control and gain weight. Medication effects everyone differently. I take presciption medication that slows down my metabolism, I would be much thinner if I wasn't on it.

 

Have you thought of another method of birth control? There are non-hormonals out there, like the copper IUD. I just got one put in after my son was born and I love it.

[rainfall]

I'm on the progestin only pill right now. I can't handle the combination one. I have only tried one type of the combination one but it was horrible. It gave me insomnia, anxiety, I was angry all the time, and always felt sick to my stomach. I'm not willing to even risk going through that again to see if I can handle a different type.

 

I actually do use condoms as well, I have just had them break on me before and since I don't want kids I am trying to be as responsible as possible so I don't have an accident.

 

Lauriebell does your IUD ever give you any problems and was it painful when they put it in? I am thinking about switching over to that once I am out of my supply of this kind of pill.

 

I also know most people probably don't gain 15 pounds on birth control but medications have always had weird effects on me. Daytime allergy medicine usually makes me tired and the nighttime stuff keeps me up. I have always been weird with my reactions to medicines.

[rainfall]

Why not try natural ways to control birth? It gives you less problems with weight. I think it is much more convenient to do. But if you already have much weight just exercising regularly would do good for you.

 

 

I have no desire to get pregnant so I want a little more assurance that birth control provides.

 

I do excersise regularly. The only day I take off is when I am in class all day long (9am-around 6ish).