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Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:49 pm  |
| I am going to start taking my birth control again, i am 34, due to heavy periods. I am trying to lose weight and do not want the side affect of gaining weight from the pills? Also, what ones clear complexion? Has anyone had any success in birth control pills without weight gain? |
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Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:02 am |
| Weight gain is a myth, although some do carry some excess water weight from it. I was on various pills over 20+ years and never gained weight from any of them. As far as acne, each pill is really individual so what works for one, wont work another. |
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Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:00 pm |
| every woman is different so the hormones in one type of birth control pill can make you gain weight while the same pill for a different woman may actually make you lose weight. I've been on diane 35 and Alesse and both of them made me gain weight due causing major water retention. i am now on YAZ and it works wonderfully for me |
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Late 20's, clarisonic, Vit C serum, hormonal acne, congested pores, combination skin, living in Vancouver Canada |
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Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:42 pm |
I'm also on BC for acne. I never gained any weight from the pill but my best friend did like crazy with every single pill she tried.
There are other side-effects, too, not just weight gain. The first pill I tried made me break out like nobody's business, the second one cleared my skin. As with so many things.. there is no way to tell unfortunately! Everyone is different. |
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Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:43 pm |
Also, there are certain pills for acne. I think YAZ and Diane 35 for starters.
The one I am on is not available in the US. |
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Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:01 pm |
| i used diane 35 for acne....it made my acne worse by 10 times. It was awful for me. My face looked horrible. Even though that diane 35 is meant for acne patients... I am now on YAZ and my acne is definitely calmed down |
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Late 20's, clarisonic, Vit C serum, hormonal acne, congested pores, combination skin, living in Vancouver Canada |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:14 am |
Yeah, BCgirl, so true. The first pill I was on that broke me out no end was an "anti-acne" pill, too. Definitely not for me. Then when I changed to another pill prescribed against acne it cleared up.
It really depends, there is no telling. Especially when you research online, for any brand of birth control pill there are so many different opinions. Some people saying "it was awful, worst break out of my life" others saying "it cleared me up within 3 days." It's impossible to know before you try yourself. |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:23 am |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Weight gain is a myth, although some do carry some excess water weight from it. I was on various pills over 20+ years and never gained weight from any of them. As far as acne, each pill is really individual so what works for one, wont work another. |
Weight gain is not a myth. Everyone is different and just because it didnt make you gain weight does not mean it doesnt apply to others!
I for one cannot take birth control as most of them make me gain weight. The ones that were the worst for me were the ones designed to control acne/breakouts like Diane. Yeah great, beautiful clear skin and weighed 5-10kgs extra! No thanks! I'm a small and slim person so that kind of weight gain was big on me.
Everyone is different  |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:27 am |
| Moser1978 wrote: |
| I am going to start taking my birth control again, i am 34, due to heavy periods. I am trying to lose weight and do not want the side affect of gaining weight from the pills? Also, what ones clear complexion? Has anyone had any success in birth control pills without weight gain? |
If you have very heavy bleeding I would strongly suggest you get checked for any types of cysts or fibroids.
I was having all sorts of problems for years with PMS and heavy bleeding after previously always having very light periods - I kept insisting to my doctor that something was wrong but he didnt believe me -- in the end we discovered I had a MASSIVE fibroid!  Once I had it removed life is back to normal, clear skin and normal light periods  |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:30 am |
| Glamcat wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Weight gain is a myth.. |
Weight gain is not a myth. Everyone is different and just because it didnt make you gain weight does not mean it doesnt apply to others!
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I'm not saying its a myth because I didn't gain weight, that would be ridiculous, I'm saying that because its been proven in studies. As mentioned some do gain water weight. I do think in the past that weight gain was an issue do the higher amount of hormones used. |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:56 am |
| weight gain is definitely not a myth. I worked out like crazy when i was on allesse which made me gain 10 pounds. I ate super healthy and went to the gym 3 hrs a day at the time...but nada. I went off the pill and all that water retention went away. Then i took YAZ and realized the complete opposite. I found that although it didn't make me lose weight...i was able to eat junk food and not go to the gym and my weight was stable. |
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Late 20's, clarisonic, Vit C serum, hormonal acne, congested pores, combination skin, living in Vancouver Canada |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:32 pm |
| You might want to consider a Mirena IUD. Makes periods very light and usually does not cause weight gain. Good for 5+ years too. |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:37 pm |
| BCgirl wrote: |
| weight gain is definitely not a myth. I worked out like crazy when i was on allesse which made me gain 10 pounds. I ate super healthy and went to the gym 3 hrs a day at the time...but nada. I went off the pill and all that water retention went away. Then i took YAZ and realized the complete opposite. I found that although it didn't make me lose weight...i was able to eat junk food and not go to the gym and my weight was stable. |
AGREE 110%.....I just saw on "The Doctors" that women that are "HORMONE SENSITIVE" are especially prone to weight gain on any hormone based types of BC. I personally could never take the pill without a multitude of side effects including weight gain.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007460.htm
Birth control - hormonal methods
Birth control methods that use hormones contain man-made (synthetic) forms of estrogen and progesterone (progestin), hormones that are made in a woman's ovaries.
Information
Birth control methods that use hormones will have both an estrogen and a progestin, or just a progestin.
Both hormones prevent a woman's ovary from releasing an egg during her menstrual cycle (called ovulation). They do this by changing the levels of the natural hormones the body makes.
Progestins help prevent sperm from entering the uterus by making the mucus around a woman's cervix thick and sticky.
Once a woman stops using most hormonal birth control methods, fertility will return within 3 - 6 months. Some women may regain fertility as soon as the first cycle after the method is stopped.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS (ESTROGEN AND PROGESTIN)
Also called oral contraceptives or just the "pill," this method combines the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation.
A health care provider must prescribe birth control pills.
This method is highly effective if the woman remembers to take her pills without missing a day.
Women who have unpleasant side effects on one type of pill are usually able to adjust to a different type.
About 2 to 3 pregnancies occur a year out of 100 women who never miss a pill.
Birth control pills may decrease a woman's risk for ovarian cancer.
Birth control pills may cause many side effects, including dizziness, irregular menstrual cycles, nausea, mood changes, worsening of migraines, breast tenderness, and weight gain.
In rare cases, birth control pills can lead to high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. The risk is highest for women who smoke or have a history of high blood pressure, clotting disorders, or unhealthy cholesterol levels.
For all women who take birth control pills, a check-up at least once a year is essential. Women should also have their blood pressure checked 3 months after they begin to take the pill.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS (PROGESTIN ONLY)
The "mini-pill" is a type of birth control pill that contains only progestin, no estrogen.
Progestin-only pills are always sold in 28-day packs, and all of the pills are active.
These pills are an alternative for women who are sensitive to estrogen or who cannot take estrogen for other reasons.
The effectiveness of progestin-only oral contraceptives is slightly less than that of the combination type. About 3 pregnancies occur a year in 100 women using this method.
Risks include irregular bleeding, weight gain, and breast tenderness.
Because these pills do not contain estrogen, they may be a safer choice for women over age 35, smokers, and those who have other risk factors that prevent them from taking estrogen.
THREE-MONTH PILL
An estrogen and progestin pill called Seasonale may be taken for 3 straight months, followed by 1 week of inactive pills.
A woman gets her period about four times a year, during the 13th week of her cycle.
Seasonale is available by prescription.
Fewer than 2 out of 100 women per year get pregnant using this method.
The risks are similar to those of other birth control pills. Some women may have more spotting between periods.
The pills must be taken daily, preferably at the same time of day.
PROGESTIN IMPLANTS
Implanon is a small rod that is implanted surgically beneath the skin, usually on the upper arm.
It takes about a minute to insert the rod, which is done using a local numbing medicine in a doctor's office. Removal usually only takes a few minutes longer.
The rod releases a small amount of the hormone progestin into the bloodstream.
The rod remains in place for 3 years, although it can be removed at any time.
Less than 1 pregnancy occurs a year out of 100 women using this type of contraception.
Women often experience irregular spotting or bleeding with this method.
HORMONE INJECTIONS
Projestin injections, such as Depo-Provera, are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks.
This shot prevents ovulation.
A single shot works for up to 90 days.
Less than 1 pregnancy occurs a year in 100 women using this method.
Sometimes the effect of this medication lasts longer than 90 days. If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, you might consider a different method.
SKIN PATCH
The skin patch (Ortho Evra) is placed on your shoulder, buttocks, or another convenient location. It continually releases progestin and estrogen. Like other hormone methods, a prescription is required.
The patch provides weekly protection. A new patch is applied each week for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week without a patch.
About 1 pregnancy occurs a year out of 100 women using this method.
Estrogen levels are higher with the patch than with birth control pills. In theory, higher estrogen levels may increase your risk of blood clots.
VAGINAL RING
The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring about 2 inches wide that is placed into the vagina. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen.
A prescription is required.
The woman inserts it herself. It stays in the vagina for 3 weeks. At the end of the third week, the woman takes the ring out for 1 week. The ring should not be removed until the end of the 3 weeks.
About 1 pregnancy occurs a year out of 100 women using this method.
Side effects (nausea and breast tenderness) are less severe than those caused by birth control pills or patches.
Risks include vaginal discharge and vaginitis, as well as those similar to the combined birth control pill.
Alternative Names
Contraception - hormonal methods; Hormonal birth control methods; Birth control pills; Contraceptive pills; BCP; OCP
References
Lopez LM, Grimes DA, Gallo MF, Schulz KF. Skin patch and vaginal ring versus combined oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(1):CD003552.
Spencer AL, Bonnema R, McNamara MC. Helping women choose appropriate hormonal contraception: update on risks, benefits, and indications. Am J Med. 2009;122:497-506.
Amy JJ, Tripathi V. Contraception for women: an evidence based overview. BMJ. 2009;339:b2895.doi:10.1136/bmj.b2895.
Mørch LS, Løkkegaard E, Andreasen AH, Krüger-Kjaer L, Lidegaard O. Hormone therapy and ovarian cancer. JAMA. 2009;302:298-305.
Update Date: 3/30/2010
Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:07 pm |
| i've been using the BC pills for ages and want to get off of it because all that artificial hormones can't be good for you in the long run. My periods are so light that they are almost non-existant. (which may be great, but don't think that it's that healthy). I also seem to believe that BC pills cause more cellulite. However, i don't want to get pregnant. Are there any other alternatives besides altering a woman's hormones or condoms to prevent pregnancies? Also i've heard many stories of woman getting larger breasts due to bp pills....but has anyone experienced the opposite effect? I think my boobs may be shrinking/sagging due to bp pills |
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Late 20's, clarisonic, Vit C serum, hormonal acne, congested pores, combination skin, living in Vancouver Canada |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:30 pm |
| Why not get your tubes tied? It's a simple procedure where they go through your belly button. |
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Wed Feb 29, 2012 3:25 pm |
| SoftSkin wrote: |
| Why not get your tubes tied? It's a simple procedure where they go through your belly button. |
well i'm planning to conceive in a few years...just not right now. I've never had children before. |
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Late 20's, clarisonic, Vit C serum, hormonal acne, congested pores, combination skin, living in Vancouver Canada |
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Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:00 am |
| ^ interesting. Since it's so new, i wonder what the side effects would be in the long run |
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Late 20's, clarisonic, Vit C serum, hormonal acne, congested pores, combination skin, living in Vancouver Canada |
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Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:50 am |
| BCgirl wrote: |
| ^ interesting. Since it's so new, i wonder what the side effects would be in the long run |
As I said it's been years since I needed BC, but IUD's have been around for ages and I did use one called "The Copper 7" so the idea of copper in one isn't really new. Like anything there are always some risks involved, but I never had a problem from mine......wish I could help more.  |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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SarahS
New Member
 
Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Posts: 4
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Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:54 am |
[quote="DarkMoon"]
| BCgirl wrote: |
| ^ interesting. Since it's so new, i wonder what the side effects would be in the long run |
As I said it's been years since I needed BC, but IUD's have been around for ages and I did use one called "The Copper 7" so the idea of copper in one isn't really new. Like anything there are always some risks involved, but I never had a problem from mine......wish I could help more. [/quote
I have IUD Nova-T copper, it did take my periods to be normal about 3 months and not heavy,but now after a year I feel amazing with it,actually I cannot feel it so that is how it is suppose to be. |
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Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:13 am |
I was in a terrible marriage for many years and toward the end I got on the pill to prevent pregnancy. I made no other lifestyle changes. I was 31 at the time and had always been a size 2/4. Within a month, I ballooned to a size 14. Before the pill, I wore a small B cup and both breasts were the same size. After the pill, I went to a large C cup. My gyn swore that the weight gain could not be related to the pill. I divorced less than a year later and went off the pill. Within a month, I went back down to a size 2/4. My cup size shrunk as well, but one breast shrunk more than the other, so one was a B- and the other a B+. They are still different sizes today. I also experienced massive hair loss when I went off the pill, and my hair never went back to its original thickness. I stayed a size 2/4 until my early 40s, after which I went up a couple of sizes. I am completely positive that the pill was the cause of the weight gain and other side effects I experienced.
I am totally against the pill because it affects the whole body and not just the thing you are trying to deal with. Too often it is used to treat the symptom instead of the cause. For example, hypothyroidism can cause heavy periods and many other menstrual problems, but doctors rarely test for hypothyroidism even though it is a known cause and is prevalent in our society. Instead, they tell you to take the pill. |
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Best, Jeannine (40s, fair skin, hazel eyes, sensitive skin). To fight the dread lemming sickness, I promise not to rave about a product until I have used it for a long while. |
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Sun Mar 04, 2012 8:10 pm |
| I've never gained weight from any pill. My breasts did jump a full size when I went on a Progesterone only pill. |
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Late 30's, fair skin, dark hair. Retin A, DIY potions. Missions completed- acne, acne scarring, 11's, redness, contact dermatitis. Working on maintenence and cellulite. |
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Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:28 pm |
| I am 27, I was on the pill for about 5-6 years, then switched to the nuva ring which I really liked but kept forgetting when to swap the old one out with the new, Sooo I stopped that, and now i'm on Mirena IUD. LOVE IT!!! You can do 3 years or 5. You can ALWAYS get it removed early too, at ANY point. I personally have not had any weird side affects, like mood swings, weight gain, nothing. Really like periods, but that's it. And I don't mind having a light period either! My Dr. told me that the nuva ring is the absolute lowest % of hormones possible, so that might be a good option to try? I really liked it, I'm just too forgetful. I plan on having kid's in a few years, and my Dr. Was okay with me being on Mirena |
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remmusp
New Member
Joined: 11 Oct 2012
Posts: 1
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Thu Oct 11, 2012 7:50 am |
| busybeth wrote: |
| You might want to consider a Mirena IUD. Makes periods very light and usually does not cause weight gain. Good for 5+ years too. |
Again, just any example of how every body is different. I have the Mirena and have had it for about a year. I am having it taken out next week because of the horrible side effects. It has made my body hold onto weight even while writing down everything and staying under 1500 calories and working out 4 times a week. (Strenuous workout, like Zumba for an hour, then weights). I have also had mood swings, depression, ankle pain, and most recently migraine headaches DAILY. If you don't tolerate progesterone well or need more estrogen, then Mirena may not be an option for you. I wish someone would have explained all that to me. |
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