Does birth control make you gain weight? The research says no.
And that, my friends, is the sound of a million women screaming and throwing things at their monitors. Occasionally I read a piece of research that makes me wonder if the researcher has ever met an actual live human specimen and this is one of them. Despite the findings of the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (quality and efficiency – how very German!), every woman I know has her own anecdotal evidence that she would like to shove, er, show Herr Sawicki.
Hormones Are Wacky Things
I’m going to warn my male readers right now – today’s topic of the day amongst the Gym Buddies was contraception. I don’t know if was the absence of all the male Gym Buddies (what gives, dudes?!) or Gym Buddy Megan’s pregnancy (she’s right in that supercute stage where she has just enough of a bump to make maternity clothes look adorable on her and not far enough along yet to have swollen ankles and heartburn from drinking water) but the talk was all hormones, all the time.
The best moment of the morning, right after Gym Buddy Lisseth doing a flat-out face plant while attempting power-wheel ab crunches, was Gym Buddy Allison trying to demonstrate how to use liftits, a kind of miracle boob-tape that lifts like a bra but without the straps or cups (link NSFW but totally worth checking out!) – and yelling the instructions across five arc trainers. Complete with pantomime. I think we pretty much convinced the male personal trainers to resign right then and there. Welcome to Estrofest 2009.
A Pill, A Patch and An IUD Walk Into A Bar
And the joke ends there because it turns out that among all five Gym Buddies present today each of us has gained weight from some method of contraception. Ironic, considering we’re trying to prevent a condition that causes a lot of weight gain.
One of the Gym Buddies (whom I will not identify – nobody needs to have their gynecological histories spread across the Internet. Unless you’re Britney and even then you know people were just relieved to see she was getting regular medical care, even if it was just her waxer.) shared how she had done the Mirena IUD, which works by slowing releasing progesterone, and couldn’t lose any weight as long as it was in. Once it was removed, she lost weight steadily at two pounds a week. Another Gym Buddy piped up that she had just the opposite experience with it, gaining weight upon having it removed.
Anonymous Gym Buddy 3 related how the Depo-Provera shot did the same thing to her. She gained weight on it and found it impossible to lose weight despite working out hours a day and aggressively cutting calories. Gym Buddy 4 shared how the Nuva-ring caused her to gain ten pounds while Gym Buddy 5 talked about how on the mini-pill she not only couldn’t lose weight but also, um, got pregnant. Double fail!
As for me, I started taking the birth control pill Ortho-Tri-Cyclin a couple of months before my wedding only to discover it made me gain 10 pounds practically overnight. My doctor assured me that this could not be. And I opted to do my own small-group study by shoving the pill pack down his throat. Okay, not really. But I was tempted. Instead I walked down the proverbial aisle with chipmunk cheeks, an overly tight corset and a wicked farmer tan on my arms. Okay, the latter had nothing to do with my birth control but it has plenty to do with why I never show anyone my wedding pictures. Ever since that debacle, now immortalized in an expensive embossed album that never sees the light of day, I’ve stuck to the IUD and loved it, neither gaining nor losing weight on it.
Scientists can say what they will but I think hormones are a tricky business and as they are so related to our weight, any time you mess with one you run the risk of messing up the other. This is important stuff to figure out because you did hear about this, right? (In case anyone is confused, octuplets are eight babies born at the same time to the same woman – not octopus babies. Although that would be a good reason for birth control as well.)
One of the best Sarah Haskins videos of all time!
What say you? Anyone else have a birth control story to tell? Has yours made you gain weight? Lose weight? Which one do you love? And men, um, if you’re still reading all I can say is hey, did you see the Simpsons cartoon I found?!
Birth control doesn’t seem to affect my weight, but I’ve been on it for 10 years, so maybe I am heavier than I should be and just don’t realise it. However, SSRIs like Zoloft and Lexapro…..forget it…instant weight gain.
Hmmmm, it’s tough to say. I was on Orthocyclen and then Yasmin for 10 years total. I went on the pill in high school and managed to only gain the freshman 15 in college and stay there. I went off hormonal birth control right about the same time as I started working out five days a week and tracking my food and, yes, lost weight. However, I was on the pill before I got married and working out only sporadically and I did lose enough weight to need my wedding dress taken in at the last minute. Of course, I also have a borderline over-active thyroid so apparently it doesn’t take much for me to drop a few pounds.
Hmmmm, it’s tough to say. I was on Orthocyclen and then Yasmin for 10 years total. I went on the pill in high school and managed to only gain the freshman 15 in college and stay there. I went off hormonal birth control right about the same time as I started working out five days a week and tracking my food and, yes, lost weight. However, I was on the pill before I got married and working out only sporadically and I did lose enough weight to need my wedding dress taken in at the last minute. Of course, I also have a borderline over-active thyroid so apparently it doesn’t take much for me to drop a few pounds.
Hmmmm, it’s tough to say. I was on Orthocyclen and then Yasmin for 10 years total. I went on the pill in high school and managed to only gain the freshman 15 in college and stay there. I went off hormonal birth control right about the same time as I started working out five days a week and tracking my food and, yes, lost weight. However, I was on the pill before I got married and working out only sporadically and I did lose enough weight to need my wedding dress taken in at the last minute. Of course, I also have a borderline over-active thyroid so apparently it doesn’t take much for me to drop a few pounds.
Hmmm…haven’t been on it in a long time (can’t have any more kids…) but my sisters swear that the Pill did make them gain weight. I’ve heard absolute horror stories about Depo.
I am overweight and have been on some form of birth control for the past 3 or 4 years. (Is it bad that I can’t remember?) I was on Yasmin for a long time, but started having problems with it last year. My doctor put me on the Nuvaring and I love it. I haven’t had any problems with weight gain since I switched.
I don’t think that birth control has affected my weight. When I started taking the pill, I was still doing competitive gymnastics, and didn’t notice any weight gain (or cup size increase). Eight years later I’ve switched to the nuva ring (which caused my boobs to shrink – wtf?) and still haven’t noticed any weight issues. I’ve been considering switching to an IUD though – are you on a hormonal one or a regular one? Have you had any bleeding side effects?
Lindsey – Some SSRIs make me gain weight as well. So frustrating when you are already dealing with depression!
Hi Erin! – Is it wrong that I covet your borderline overactive thyroid??
Juliann & Cinderella – Glad you ladies found what works for you!
Sally – Oh, sister, I could write a whole post on IUDs! Not that it would be entertaining or even particularly relevant… Anyhow. I've tried both. I did the copper T for years and liked it although the reason I switched was due to bleeding issues. The Mirena however, has given me no issues and has actually lessened my periods to the point where I mostly just spot now. It's delightful. I recommend IUDs to everyone (who doesn't plan on getting pregnant in the next year or two). Totally no-fuss. Just get it put in and forget about it! E-mail me if you want more info. I'm always happy to overshare!
I’ve never noticed much weight gain, but I do find it harder to lose weight when on the pill, and It sometimes makes me nauseous. I used the Ring for a month and felt so sick, that I could not eat. I think I lost 5 pounds and then never used it again. My current pill hasn’t caused any weight gain, but I’ve noticed I get really mean the week before my period. I’ve never experienced the emotional symptoms of PMS until this pill…it is not fun. My husband is a very patient guy!
I went off the pill and immediately gained ten pounds. Very sad.
And the liftits are creepy yet intriguing. I’m definitely going to be wearing them swimming, as suggested.
I have an IUD. I was told a couple of years ago that I can’t take hormones anymore, and had to leave behind my Nuva Ring, which I loved.
But I have the non-hormone IUD and I LOVE it!!!!!!! Even more than the Ring.
(Can I just say how much I HATE the Nuva Ring ad, though? That damn song gets stuck in my head for days! Wait: DON’T think about it, or it’ll get stuck, lol!)
(Is it just me being REALLY immature, or does the name Liftits crack anyone else up?)
First, need to comment on your new photo (which may not be so new) but you look beautiful!
Birth Control… Since I’ve gained 40 pounds now with this pregnancy, who am I to complain?
Your hormone talk in the gym reminds me of the day (years and years and years ago) when my friend Tara and I were in the weight room and she was instructing me on how to shave my bikini line (with audio and visual instruction).
Anytime we mess with our hormones, we affect our hormonal system in some way. The endocrine system runs all the processes in the body, from reproduction to sleep cycles, so the effect may not be weight related at all, although a lot of people experience weight problems. I for one would never consider using contraceptives that interfere with my endocrine system!
Great post!
I’ve been reading for awhile and I’ve decided to post today!
I stopped taking the pill (ortho tri cyclen lo) because I swear it made me both crazy (depressed-ish mood swings) and gain weight.
I was a bit pudgy when I was on the pill in my early 20s, so I wouldn't have noticed 5 pounds either way. Trying it again recently, I noticed!
I took Seasonale for three pill cycles. During the first few weeks of the three months, I'd put on about five pounds. Same eating, same exercise. During the week off, when I was going through PMS & scarfing extra servings of fatty foods, I dropped all five pounds in one week.
Back on the pill, regained the five. By the third time I dropped the same five pounds, I quit. (Didn't need the pill for contraception, anyway. Was just eliminating the increasingly erratic periods of my late 30s.)
I’ve done 3 different pills and was on the NuvaRing for the last 2 years. Altogether, I’ve been on some form of contraceptive for 10 years, and I’ve never had any weight gain issues related to it. However, after coming off the NuvaRing about 4 months ago, I’ve put ON 10 lbs and can’t seem to shake them. And here I was hoping I could lose some once my horomones levelled back out. le sigh
Heather – Interesting story about the nuva ring. You are the first person I’ve heard complain about nausea with it but everyone differs in their sensitivity to hormones. If it makes you feel any better, I get raging PMS like you described… but only every other month! Huh?!?
Karen – I know! I’ve had a weird fascination with the liftits ever since Allison told me about them.
Azusmom – Oh yes, the Gym Buddies and I laughed for a good 10 minutes about the name “liftits” (Is it “lift ITs” or “lift TITS”?!?) Glad you love your IUD! I do too! (Mine, not yours.)
Kara – Um, I need bikini line instruction. Shall I meet you at a weight floor near here??
Hanlie – So what do you do for birth control then, if I may ask?
Beef – Welcome girl! Glad you delurked! And yeah, I hated that pill too!
Mapchik – crazy about the Seasonale! That would absolutely make me nuts!! Glad you dropped it.
Gena – I know – it seems like they either get you coming or going. You either gain weight on the pill/ring/whatever or gain it when you go off. We can’t win!!
I had no issues with my pill, but stopped after getting really sick (cause I kept throwing it up), then went off for the past 6 months because I was bleeding every day. I recently found a doctor and am getting a check up soon, and may go back to the pill (and would love to try seasonale, as a friend didn’t gain weight on it)
I’ve been on Seasonal/Seasonique for 3 years and I love it. I never gained weight because of it (I did because of my own stupidity, but could lose it). Now I have found it’s hard to go below a certain weight but that weight is kind of low for me and might just be my own body rebelling against my desire to be “just 5 more pounds light” when I have no business being 5 pounds lighter.
Until this post I never thought of the pill not making me gain weight but not making it very easy (or impossible) to lose weight.
Too bad I like not getting my period too much to go off it and see if I could lose more, though I think if I lost much below my current weight I think I’d lose my period any way, so probably not the best idea.
In my home we practice the old “rhythm method” with no additional children for over 20 years now. Of course my wife having her tubes tied after the birth of our twins may be a factor.
Like Heather McD, the hormones of birth control really made me nauseous. I had to stop taking them after a couple of months because I was losing weight that I needed.
Later, I had severe morning sickness with my first pregnancy, and HG during my second and last pregnancy, so I guess that some of us are just really sensitive to pregnancy hormones.
I will also leave a rave for Mirena. I love it and can’t imagine taking regular birth control ever again. I tried the Nuvaring also and love Mirena WAY more.
I gained weight on the pill in high school, but it also made my skin GORGEOUS and glowing, so I stayed on it. I tried the Nuvaring later in college to see if I could get the skin effects but not the weight ones (I think my doctor told me that the ring puts out less hormones…) but I neither gained weight nor saw an improvement in my skin. Recently I went back on the same pill from high school and saw an improvement in my skin with no weight gain, but it’s also pretty much impossible for me to lose weight these days, so maybe the pill is the reason (I also don’t seem to gain weight no matter how crappy I’m eating and how much beer I’m drinking, so maybe I should say thanks to the pill…)
One of my friends went on the pill and gained about 15 pounds immediately despite being the most committed and intense exerciser I know. It was mainly because she developed an insatiable appetite during those first few months on it. With a lot of exercise she lost the weight and her appetite tapered off after about 4-6 months.
Bottom line: doctors always say birth control will not make you gain weight, but every woman who has ever been on it knows it will.
Mine never made me gain weight but I didn’t like what it did to my emotions. One time I was SUPER moody and lashing out at everyone, and the rest of the time I was just more apt to suddenly break down and cry etc. I was getting depressed and all right around the time that I first started taking it and it just made things worse.
I use Aviane (used to be called Alesse); right now I’m just using it once every couple months to get my period (otherwise they’re still absent).
I’ve tried the patch, 3 different types of pill, and the ring. I’ve never gained weight overnight.
I have noticed that my appetite increases at times when I am on the birth control. But, I keep track of my calories so that has not led to weight gain.
Regular Cinderella – can I ask you what problems you started having?
I’ve been taking Yasmin for 5 (?) years now…my weight fluctuates a few pounds every year, so I’m not sure if it made me gain or not. I think I weigh the same as when I started it, but less than last year, and more than 2 years ago. LOL. Can you tell I only get weighed once a year? My skin has been wonderful on it, but I noticed my PMS symptoms seem to be getting worse. *SIGH* I wish we could just say “Body, don’t get pregnant until I say so” and “Oh yeah, don’t act crazy around that time of the month either!”
Great Post Charlotte!
I’ve been on the same birth control since I was 15 because it makes life less painful. I love it, but because I’ve been on it for so long I can’t determine if it made me gain or lose. A lot of gaining and losing has happened between then and now.
that video was awesome.
Most birth control in pill form makes me crazy and yes, I swear it made me gain weight (uhhh, and wasn’t exactly EFFECTIVE either, lol).
I have a really close friend who has suffered some crazy long term side effects from the pill she went on.
(that’s not to say there are lots of effective lowrisk great options out there in pill form.)
Colleen,
I tok Yasmin for a few years and then switched to the ring when my doctor realized that Yasmin was raising my potassium levels. If you’ve been having issues with Yasmin you might want to get your levels checked.
I can’t isolate weight gain since my weight has fluctuated for a long time, but birth control made me absolutely crazy.
Reading the comments has reminded me how grateful I am for vasectomies. Highly recommended – if appropriate, of course.
Also … LOVE that Simpson’s cartoon.
Well, I’ve only been seriously into fitness since I’ve been off the pill, so while I’m lighter now than I was when on the pill, I think it’s more due to exercise. I was on Yasmin for a few months (I think that’s the one), and I don’t think it made me gain weight. But I may not have been on it long enough.
I always had more of a problem with feminine dryness than weight gain on the pill (waaay TMI, sorry). But Yasmin works better for that than orthtricyclen.
Thought the Target Women video was as usual, hilarious!
I am actually one of those women who DOES use the dang pills for period control rather than birth control. Tried to go off them a month ago and… will not be trying THAT again for awhile. Still having “Carrie” flashbacks.
Didn’t notice any weight impact, but was too busy buying tampons by the shopping cart load to weigh myself.
Let’s talk about when Anya has her period…think Alien versus Predator, Mothra vs. Godzilla. I make ancient gods of war look like cuddly kitty cats. For the sake of civilization, I am all about the period control (loved the video!). Doctors, scared-silly when they saw what a raging lunatic I am 2 days into a period, doubled my birth control so that I only had a period 4 times a year (this was way before Seasonale). Supposedly, I suffer from something called estrogen withdrawal. Hormones are evil.
When Seasonale first came out I was ecstatic (and now there is a generic called Quasense) and the docs give me an extra pack to take care of those 4 extra pesky weeks. I can’t wait until there is a never have your period pill.
As for weight gain and loss, I can do both on the pill and have been on it for so long I wouldn’t know if I’m carrying extra poundage b/c of it.
My friend did the ring for a while and it made her super-nauseous and it also kept slipping out at um…what should have otherwise been happy times.
i did gain weight on the pill. every month, my bust would fluctuate about a half to a full cup size and slowly deflate again–just in time for it to happen all over. oh, to re-live puberty all over again…..
so, i only gained a few pounds overall and then the added discomfort every month—yes, hugs were painful again! i now use the Paraguard iud and it’s awesome! it had its own side effects at first–but now it’s all regular.
and wow, that video is great! thanks!
I tried the patch first, and I had all kinds of side effects: the worst headaches of my life, nausea, horrible skin irritation where the patch lived, and I ballooned up 10lbs. Of course it was awful and I switched to the ring, trying to avoid pills. I feel like I’m a normal weight for me, and I don’t have all the nasty side effects I had before. So I guess the trick is to find the kind that works best for you. And hopefully it doesn’t take too many tries.
I don’t remember noticing weight gain with the pill, but any kind of pill I’ve ever been on zaps my sex drive (are we oversharing today?), so I don’t use pills anymore.
I’ve used the copper IUD and Mirena. I like that with Mirena I never really have a period, just spotting, but it’s random and can last for a day or two weeks, usually when I’m on vacation.
The copper IUD caused really heavy periods that lasted three days (with one day where I couldn’t leave the house), but they were super regular.
When I have to get a new one, I think I might actually go back to the copper- I’m blaming my sex camel-ness on the hormones in mirena…
Tricia – good luck! I hope it goes well!
Kjirsten – I'm glad that you are staying safe & sane about your weight, girl!
Tom – You made me spray my herbal tea. Hilarious!
P/F – TWO pregnancies with HG? I'm so sorry! I'm a puker too. Although not quite to that extent I think. Miserable!
Aimee – I know, right?? I love it so much I’ve resorted to telling random strangers about how much I love my IUD.
Anon- Yeah, that was pretty much my conclusion too. And I experienced the same gorgeous skin when I was on the pill!
Sagan – I have wicked PMS anyhow. I have seriously considered trying the PMDD pills…
Ctina- now that is some self-control girl! To feel your appetite go up and still keep your cals the same? I hate starving!
Colleen – I have that same fantasy myself! Why don’t we have switches?!?
SeaBreeze – wow, girl, that is a long time to commit to anything! I’m impressed!
Katieo- you crack me up! How is the pregnancy going?
Sally – Interesting! I had no ideas about the potassium.
Sarahbb – unless the invent stealth vasectomies I think I will always be on some kind of birth control!
Lethological – there is no such thing as “TMI” today, girl!!
Crabby – Yeah, I’m a bleeder that way too. Seriously, the Mirena has helped me SO MUCH with that issue! (“Issue”! Hahahahah!!!)
Anya – Wow. Can you get tested for Estrogen withdrawal or is it just something they guessed at from your symptoms? Cause seriously, I have wicked PMS. (YOur description is right on, btw!!)
BirdBrains – That is a lot of boob changing go on there! Bet your husband was entertained!
Chelsea – Glad you found what worked for you!
Allie – Why yes, today IS oversharing day! “Sex camel”!!! I love it!
Hey Char,
Yes, birth control made me gain weight, which is why I have never gone back to it! It was the Ortho-tricyclen. But my OB never told me it wouldn’t make me gain weight. In fact, both he and his nurse practitioner have told me about possible weight gain with various birth control methods.
Oh my gosh that video was hilarious! I have been on birth control pills since Woolly Mammoths ruled the earth and I’ve been able to gain weight (I’m sure it wasn’t the entire cheesecakes I could eat in one night, it was the birth control) and lost weight while on it. So, I don’t think it ever caused any problems for me.
ortho tri cyclen lo did wonders for my skin – but did nothing for my raging pms. i switched to yaz and had better results (miss the glowing skin though). Im also on SSRIs, but didnt notice any major weight gains/losses. There is one thing though – i cannot lose my stubborn belly pooch (BMI=18.2 but the pooch lives on!). Could this be the pills?
BTW cute new pic
Er, ahh, well, um, ah, er, See you tomorrow 🙂
Charlotte,
I don’t know if there is a test to confirm “estrogen withdrawal”. After describing my 2 days of lunacy followed by 3 days of migraines, where I can’t bear light and have a pounding headache that all the aspirin in the world can’t fix, the ob-gyn simply stated estrogen withdrawal and gave me extra pills. Every Ob-gyn since then has simply agreed with that ‘diagnosis’ and never denied me the extra pills–and this has been for 15 years now.
I’ve always figured they were right as this scenario goes off like clock work (I know to the hour when I’ll start getting mean followed by the hour when the headache will hit, to the 3 hours after I take my first pill when the euphoria will hit). At no other time do I suffer headaches much less migraines. Luckily, I don’t suffer any other PMS symptoms, no cramps, pains, aches, water retention etc–thank goodness!
“…unless the invent stealth vasectomies I think I will always be on some kind of birth control!”
After my last HG pregnancy, my husband and I decided that a vasectomy would be the only way I was having sex again!
Didn’t affect my weight, as far as I know, but made me FEEL pregnant: no libido, nauseous, etc. Of course it’s birth control, you don’t want sex. I almost never wanted it until I got off again.
And I was on Nuva Ring! The lowest dose!
-Anne
Good topic…I haven’t been on birth control for over 5 years, and I’ve been begged to get back on it by the fiance :). For various reasons, I’m going to look into the IUD thing rather than anything else. If you want to email me your raves about IUDs, I would be more than appreciative. pinksparkly at yahoo dot com
That being said, now I’m scared to death about gaining weight on birth control just as I’m getting close to being done losing weight! Argh! *Sticking fingers in ears humming lalalalalallala*
LOL @ Dr. J…too much for you?
Colleen, my doctor put me on Yasmin because I have PCOS. I had not had my period in a year and a half–frustrated when you’re trying to get pregnant, right? She told me I needed to get my body back on track before having another baby. She put me on hormones just so I would get my period and then on the Pill so I could regulate. (Then the timing got wrong and here I am with no more babies. :()
I loved Yasmin for a while. Had my period like clockwork, Thursday to Sunday every four weeks, all light days and no signs of pms, bloating–NOTHING. All of a sudden, I started bleeding every two weeks for a few days. And then for a week. And then nonstop. Bah. It was very frustrating. And on top of the bleeding, I was bloated, bitchy, and had awful, dibilitating headaches every other day. I put up with it for 3 months before running crying to my doctor, who yanked me off of it so quickly, my head spun.
There was no explanation for why my body’s reaction to it suddenly changed…it just did. I haven’t had any problems with the Nuva Ring…but I hate the commercial, too. 🙂
Birth control hormones not only affect my weight, but most detrimentally (whew big word) my sanity). When I tried the ortho evra patch, it caused me to gain weight and require zoloft. I just barely tried an IUD, but I went with the old fashioned because the new ones are still hormone based. I think probabloy people are suseptible to hormones at different levels.
I love your profile pic. Do you have any ideas/ recommendations for 20s hair? I want to try curly bpb but Im npot sure it would be too crazy.
Anya, I take Quasense too. And I also get severe PMS/PMDD. It didn’t start until after my son was born when I was 25. I also suffered post partum depression, and had life circumstances which made it all worse. I tried all the “natural” things for PMS – exercise, avoiding caffeine, vitamins – but decided to get rid of my Mirena IUD and take the pill. I now warn my husband before the week when I’m on a placebo so he knows to look out for the monster I become!
I’ve never noticed weight gain with birth control, but now that I think about it, between my pregnancies with my sons, I did get down to about 10 pounds less than I am now, without really doing anything different. I suppose it’s possible that bc makes me gain weight. I think I’d rather weigh more and not have PMS and periods though.
And I liked my IUD, except that my husband could feel it (sorry TMI), so I only had it about a year. And I think the Depo did make me gain weight, along with other issues.
Oh my god! That video is GREAT!!!!
I love those target women videos!
just went on Yaz to control my PMS, which is my first foray into the wide, weird world of birth control.
the first month, it just about erased my PMS symptoms, but i dealt with serious nausea for about two weeks.
month two, my boobs got bigger, stayed sore for three weeks, and i had a raging case of depression like i haven’t seen since high school.
my weight hasn’t changed an ounce from when i started, but i’m joining a gym this month, so we’ll see if Yaz is going to screw around with that.
i just hope that my goshdarned body settles down with Yaz; i’m awfully sick of being Maleficent for two weeks out of every month…
Well like many others here, I did gain some weight on the Nuva Ring. I was on it for about 4 years and gained about 18-20 lbs all together. I can’t loose the weight either. It doesn’t matter what I do. 8-9 hrs of vigorous exercise a week and not eating much. Year before last I went off it for about 2.5 months and lost 8 lbs. Went back on and got it back. I didnt want to believe it could be the ring because it was so convenient and the Drs say it cant be. I think otherwise. I took it out again. I guess I’ll see what happens. More than likely I’ll see some weight loss.
I have been on ortho tri cyclin for a year.. and gained 7 lbs. since my last doctor visit. I have went up a cup size in my bra.. and I always feel like my body/face is bloated. My doctor (who I feel is a quack for several reasons) says the pill can account for five pounds water weight. I'm not a "big" girl, but I feel like my body has changed. I don't know wheteher to blame the increased appetite the pill causes or the water weight…either way i'm coming off of them!! So I am going off of the pill at the end of this pack. I am also dieting and working out. Someone told me to take water pills and i'd lose a lot of that water weight from the pill.. any other tips?!! I am ready to be back to who i was!!
Well the research does indeed show that Birth Control does not cause weight gain. I’d like to add that women experience different effects when using any type of drug and as such proper consultation with your doctor is important. I’ve spoken to women that have actually lost weight while on BC.
two years ago I got off Ortho Cyclen and started taking Yaz to help with PMDD symptoms. So after a year of taking Yaz, I had noticed about 10 lbs of weight gain. But I thought it was just because I was getting older. Anywhoo, a year after I had been taking Yaz, they came out with a generic version called Gianvi. It was $25 cheaper! Jackpot! Well, a year after taking Gianvi, I am now 30 lbs. heavier than I was before i started taking Yaz. I have tried diets, even Adipex, but that didn’t work, so i went back to normal eating habits, I do not eat much (two and a half meals a day). I do not exercise as often as I should, but I have tried aerobics classes twice a week and to no avail. I am still 30 lbs heavier. This is driving me insane! Alas, I feel there is no hope in me ever fitting in my size 7 jeans again :o(
I personally think birth control pills are evil as do a group of my girlfriends. I tried four different types with one bad complication after another. I developed depression from them and my personality was completely altered while taking them (I was completely suppressed). I had severe mood swings on them and cried at things worse than a pregnant woman. I developed gallbladder problems (another side effect of the pill). I was 104 pounds and 5’2 when I started them. In 6 month from starting them I gained 50 pounds!! I was bloated the whole time (that poor little chubby looking face that once looked so nicely when it wasn’t masked under flubber). My chest also went up 2 cup sizes as well. No matter how much I worked out or ate less I couldn’t drop even one pound!!! It was so frustrating!!! After two years I got off of them and in the first week and a half I lost 11 pounds!!! I still haven’t lost that final 16 pounds, but that’s okay says my size 2 skinny jeans. My husband and I have been sticking to condoms for the last year and a half and its working for us! 🙂
P.S. I have a friend who is on the nuva ring and she has gained 80 pounds!!!
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