Some women use hormonal birth control pills continuously to prevent monthly menstrual periods and eliminate premenstrual symptoms like cramping, bloating and mood swings. Using oral contraceptives continuously has several side effects. Weigh these side effects against the benefits of oral contraception to determine if this contraceptive method is right for you.
Darkened Skin
Chloasma (brown skin discoloration) can occur on the forehead, under the eyes and above the upper lip. This discoloration results from the hormonal changes that occur with the use of continuous birth control pills. These spots resemble age spots, but usually affect a larger area of the skin, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Breakthrough Bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding, which is bleeding or spotting that occurs between menstrual periods, can occur for three to four months after oral contraceptive use begins. Dr. Rosalina Abboud, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Mayo Clinic, reports that the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding increases any time there is a change in hormone levels in the body. Missing a contraceptive pill, experiencing a bout of vomiting or diarrhea and starting medications that interfere with the effectiveness of the pill can result in breakthrough bleeding.
Headaches and Nausea
Hormonal fluctuations can cause headaches and nausea. These side effects should subside after the body adjusts to increased contraceptive hormone levels. Professionals from the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois recommend contacting your doctor if you experience headaches with light sensitivity and visual disturbances.
Mood Swings
Increased hormone levels lead to mood changes and may cause depression and irritability. Get plenty of sleep and regular exercise to minimize these mood changes. Vitamin B-6 can alleviate these mood swings, according to the McKinley Health Center.
Water Retention
Water retention and weight gain can occur with continuous birth control pill use. Dr. Frederick Jelovsek, a professor in the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, reports that estrogen is responsible for water retention. Low-dose birth control pills cause less water retention than regular birth control pills because they contain less estrogen. Dr. Jelovsek explains that estrogen works on a chemical known as renin-angiotensin, which affects the fluid balance of the body.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots
Hormonal birth control use increases the risk of blood clots, especially in smokers and women over the age of 35. The Center for Young Women's Health reports that 15 to 20 women out of 100,000 who take oral contraceptives develop blood clots each year. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or sudden swelling in one of your legs, seek immediate medical attention.
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