Hormonal birth control is the most effective non-permanent method of preventing pregnancy. These methods are used by an estimated 100 million women worldwide. There are several types of hormonal contraceptives, including pills, injections, contraceptive implants, the patch, the ring and some IUDs. These types of birth control release progestin into a woman's body to stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. Although they reliably prevent pregnancy, these methods are also associated with side effects that some women may find unpleasant.
Menstrual Changes
Most women experience some menstrual changes when they start using hormonal birth control. This may mean irregular periods, spotting or cessation of your period altogether. These symptoms may be a minor irritant for some women and a major disruption for others. These symptoms eventually subside, however, and for some methods, you will stop getting a period after one year of use.
Weight Gain
Using hormonal birth control can lead to weight gain because it causes shifts in your metabolism. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly may help mitigate excessive weight gain.
Headaches
Headaches are another common side effect of hormonal methods of birth control. According to the Mayo Clinic, the hormones estrogen and progesterone may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain. Headaches can be controlled through the use of over-the-counter pain medication and rarely indicate anything serious. However, if you experience a migraine headache with aura, contact your health care provider immediately.
Mood Swings
Because they affect your hormones, these methods of birth control can have an impact on your mood. This symptom is usually most severe upon initiation of the method, and it often subsides after several months of use. If you experience severe mood swings, talk to your physician about trying a different method--possibly a "mini-pill" or a barrier method.
Nausea and Vomiting
When you first start using a hormonal method of birth control, you may experience nausea or even vomiting. This is because of the hormonal shift in your body. Most women indicate this side effect subsides after they have been using the method for a couple of months.
Decreased Sexual Desire
Ironically, hormonal birth control methods can sometimes have a negative effect on your libido. These methods affect each women differently, so if you experience a notable change in your desire for sex, trying a different hormonal method may be a good choice.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Venous thrombosis (a blood clot in a vein), heart attack and stroke are the most serious side effects associated with hormonal methods of contraception. This is because reproductive hormones affect the tone and function of blood vessels and the levels of fat in the blood. Women with high blood pressure, diabetes or who smoke are at highest risk for this side effect. If you have one of these conditions, make sure to discuss it with your physician before starting to use hormonal birth control. For women who do not have these health conditions, cardiovascular side effects associated with progestin are rare. If you experience shooting pain in your legs, trouble breathing, pain in your abdomen, or a sudden, bad headache, call your doctor immediately.
References
- Family Health International: Advances in Hormonal Contraception
- Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Pill
- Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Implant
- Mayo Clinic: Chronic Daily Headaches: Headaches and hormones: What's the connection?
- Science Daily: Birth Control Pill: Oral Contraceptive Use May Be Safe, But Information Gaps Remain
