Do birth control pills make u gain weight

Although rare, some women report gaining weight temporarily while on the birth control pill. This is because birth control can lead to the retention of fluids for a short period of time. Read more about birth control and its other risks and symptoms.

Connection Between Birth Control and Weight Gain

A variety of birth control methods exist to help sexually active individuals prevent pregnancy. The pill is one of the most convenient and commonly used contraceptive methods.

There are two types of birth control pills:

• Progestin-only pills include a synthetic version of progesterone (progestin), a hormone released by the ovaries that supports the uterus in preparing for a pregnancy. The progestin in the pill thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. It also thins the lining of the uterus. It may prevent ovulation.
• Combination pills contain progestin and estrogen. These contraceptives work by maintaining hormone levels to prevent pregnancy.
  

Though a highly effective contraception method, birth control pills carry some concerns for women worried about side effects such as weight gain. However, research indicates that the association between weight gain and birth control is limited.

A Guide to Birth Control Pills

How Does Birth Control Make You Gain Weight?

While there may not be significant weight gain due to birth control, some individuals report gaining weight while using the pill, especially when first starting the pill.

In the past, birth control formulas included higher levels of hormones, leading to instances of weight gain. Today, much lower levels of estrogen are used.

An increase in estrogen levels can cause a person to retain water. Therefore, the combination pill is more likely to cause weight gain because it contains estrogen. However, this fluid retention may be minimal and should dissipate within a few months.

Gaining weight while taking birth control may be attributed to other factors unrelated to the pill, including:

• Changes in eating habits or diet
• Level of exercise
• Increase in muscle mass or body fat
• Fluctuations in routine
• Underlying health conditions

A study that examined progestin-only pills have revealed that after six months to one year of use, participants gained less than 5 pounds. Ultimately, a significant change in weight is not expected with birth control.

Types of Contraceptives That Affect Weight

Few contraception methods impact weight. Birth control injections and implants may cause some fluctuation in weight.

Specifically, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera), a progestin-only shot, has been linked to initial weight gain. Even though there is some research indicating weight gain with these methods, the evidence is minimal.

Other Side Effects and Symptoms of Contraceptives

Aside from fluid retention that may cause initial fluctuations in weight, other side effects are possible with the pill, including:

• Headaches: Increasing estrogen levels can be a trigger for certain types of headaches, particularly migraines.
• Nausea: Changes in hormone levels can lead to feeling queasy.
  
• Spotting: The pill may cause bleeding in between periods or affect the menstrual cycle in other ways.
• Changes in skin: Though some may experience acne breakouts, birth control can improve skin.
  

Everyone responds differently to changes in hormones from birth control. It is always recommended to communicate with a healthcare provider when noticing new or worsening symptoms.

If you have migraines, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they may recommend using a form of birth control that doesn't contain estrogen, particularly if your migraines are associated with aura (sensations that precede or accompany a migraine).

Minimizing Birth Control Side Effects

How to Manage and Prevent Weight Gain

Working with a healthcare provider can help identify and monitor any causes of weight gain while taking birth control and develop a plan to combat it.

Recommendations for preventing and managing weight gain include:

• Monitor weight to determine what might be contributing to changes.
• Get moving by incorporating exercise.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Talking with a healthcare provider about available options can help you make an informed decision to manage any side effects. 

Changing Birth Control Methods

If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking the pill, discuss other birth control options with your healthcare provider.

Summary

Research on the relationship between birth control pills and weight gain indicates that oral contraception does not have a significant impact on weight. Though some people experience weight gain, this may be due to increases in estrogen levels resulting from the combination pill. This weight gain is attributed to water retention and dissipates over time. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help inform your decision about what birth control method to use and how to tackle any side effects.

A Word From Verywell

The possibility that the pill could cause changes to your body may be concerning, and it may factor into your decision to use this type of contraception. Any potential concerns you may have are valid and can easily be explored with your healthcare provider. The decision to take birth control is a personal choice and many people try different forms of contraception before finding the right option for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much weight does birth control typically cause you to gain?

  Research suggests that the pill does not cause significant changes in weight. Some individuals report gaining weight initially when starting on the pill. However, this may be due to fluid retention, which is possibly due to estrogen if you are taking a combination pill (includes progestin and estrogen). Progestin-only pills do not contribute to weight gain.

• How much time will it take for you to lose weight caused by birth control?

  Weight gain due to birth control, specifically an increase due to water retention, may dissipate on its own in a matter of months.

• Will birth control make you gain more weight if you have PCOS?

  For people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a healthcare provider may prescribe birth control to regulate and balance hormones. Weight gain tends to be a symptom of PCOS, not a result of the birth control being administered to help manage symptoms.

  What birth control makes you gain weight?

  Can birth control cause weight gain? “Patients often tell me that they think all birth control causes weight gain, but there is only one method, the progestin hormonal injection given every three months, that is linked to weight gain,” Dr. Stanwood says.

  Are my birth control pills making me gain weight?

  It's often a temporary side effect that's due to fluid retention, not extra fat. A review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most women. And, as with other possible side effects of the pill, any weight gain is generally minimal and goes away within 2 to 3 months.