6 crazy side effects of hormonal birth control

6 Crazy Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control
Submitted and Medically Reviewed By: Richard Honaker M.D.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 60 percent of American women take hormonal birth control and while most of those birth control side effects are positive, some can also be nasty.

Hormonal birth control has two types: combination and progestin-only. The first type includes a transdermal patch, vaginal ring, and pills. All three have both progestin and estrogen. The latter type includes shots, IUDs, mini-pills, and implants.

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Both types have mostly similar effects, whether good or bad. Here are some of the side effects.

1. Clear skin

Some people have hormonal acne, so having a regular cycle and a steady dose of hormones have a positive effect on them. For some, breakouts become worse before they start to get better. It is therefore suggested to wait for around six months before concluding if your hormonal birth control improved the clarity of your skin.

2. Weight gain

Some women get to experience temporary weight gains because of the amount of estrogen in the pills, but some progestin-only options could also cause it. There is a lower amount of estrogen in pills that are still effective, so that’s what is recommended for those who experience weight gain. Less estrogen leads to less weight gain.

3. Mood swings

Introducing hormones into anyone’s body via birth control can cause mood changes. So if you experience this, or suddenly have harmful thoughts, have difficulty functioning properly at work, or your relationships are affected too, consult your doctor. Pay particular attention if the mentioned symptoms are being experienced for longer than a month.

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4. Disappearing dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea or more commonly known as period pain, can be helped by hormonal birth control because it’s associated with shorter and less painful periods. So, for women who suffer from this monthly, such side effects can be heavenly.

5. Less ovarian cysts

Regular ovarian cysts could cause abdominal pains, and taking birth control can decrease the hormonal fluctuations that usually contribute to the development of the cysts. Reduced risk of cancer can also have a positive effect.

Abnormal cells could start to form during the regular pattern of ovulation, and cells are repaired once the egg is released, so fewer ovulations could also minimize the chance of ovarian cancer as opposed to those who ovulate more.

6. Higher risk of blood clots

The presence of estrogen in hormonal birth control places women at an increased risk for a certain number of medical problems. There is presently a one in 1,000 risk of deep vein thrombosis, so once you feel calf pain, swelling legs, and shortness of breath, call your doctor immediately.

Be on the lookout for heart attack symptoms such as chest pains, back pains, shoulder pains, arm or neck pains, and signs of stroke like numbness or weakness in specific body parts such as your face, arms, or legs. A sudden severe headache or confusion could also be a sign.

Do you have questions about birth control? How about another women’s health issue? Well, we have the answers. Our doctors are available via our 100% FREE doctor chat 24/7 from anywhere you are in the world. Simply click below to get started. 

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