Ladies - Birth control and weight gain!

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Replies

  • calibriintx
    calibriintx Posts: 1,741 Member
    Instead of you wearing a bullet proof vest, make him unload the gun -

    men can use a contraceptive pill as well :)

    I was under the impression that they still haven't approved a male BCP?
  • flitabout
    flitabout Posts: 200 Member
    You may have to try a few different ones to find the one that works best for you. I am on the Alesse right now and I choose that one after much trial and error. It has the least weight gain and is most generally recommended for use while trying to lose weight. But you will have to figure out what works for you.
    I tried the depo shot to get rid of my period all together and I gained 30lbs in 3 weeks and bled straight for 3 months! My girlfriend got it and every time she got a shot she lost 10lbs and had no period. She ended up weighing 110lbs I ended up weighing 150. So the way BC effects each of us is totally different! You just have figure out which one works for you.
  • rmontpetit
    rmontpetit Posts: 31 Member
    As per my Doc and many Friends with different result. it is not on particular kind of birth control you use that make gain weight. But how your body respond to it. I lost weight when i started to use the pill... a friend with the same pill gain weight. Ask around your familly (génétically related) how they reacted to birth control. you are more alike to react like them...
  • JessicaOnKeto
    JessicaOnKeto Posts: 364 Member
    I've been on the shot, Depo-Provera for a 2 years and a half.
    I think it caused my appetite to increase dramatically.
    I don't think it was a direct cause of my weight gain, I think myself overeating and being inactive was the exact cause of my weight gain.
    Instead of monitoring what I ate and how much I ate, I listen to my hormones telling me I must eat EVERYTHING IN SIGHT... lol! which was a bad idea.
    On a different note, form personal experience, most everyone I know, that has been on the shot, has gained weight. Anywhere from 15-75pounds. But again, I know ladies that didn't gain anything because they tracked what they ate religiously.
    That being said, my weight loss hasn't been stalled of halted because of the shot either, just got my re-fill on Saturday and still losing steadily.
    Good luck! :drinker:

    ETA: I've been period free most of the time I've been on Depo, which is a HUUUGGGE plus.
  • JessicaOnKeto
    JessicaOnKeto Posts: 364 Member
    Instead of you wearing a bullet proof vest, make him unload the gun -

    men can use a contraceptive pill as well :)

    I was under the impression that they still haven't approved a male BCP?

    That's what I thought!!! But.... Where can I find them if they are approved and legal to use!?
    It would be glourious to drop my birth control. :laugh:
  • RCMPWannaBe
    RCMPWannaBe Posts: 84 Member
    Anything that alters your estrogen and progesterone is likely to react in some ways. I've tried Yasmin and Seasonale (which I'm on right now), and don't particularly recall gaining weight on either, or losing any weight after I've been off Seasonale for a while.

    That being said, it's all about how your body reacts. My body might react differently from yours. Sometimes you just have to do a bit of trial and error. :)
  • sharonmunday90
    sharonmunday90 Posts: 129 Member
    I have the copper iud so no hormone at all
  • RCMPWannaBe
    RCMPWannaBe Posts: 84 Member
    I have the copper iud so no hormone at all

    IUDs are great if you've already had kids, too! But it seems most doctors are reluctant to put one in if you haven't given birth.
  • HardcoreP0rk
    HardcoreP0rk Posts: 936 Member
    No one can provide you with any insight. Go with one that offers the best protection with the lowest risk of heart issues / blood clots. Weight gain is entirely up to the individual. Nothing anyone can say will help inform your choices. Everyone's body is so different. Also, there are already thousands of threads about this, for your research. But honestly, it makes no difference. You really just have to try and see.
  • HardcoreP0rk
    HardcoreP0rk Posts: 936 Member
    I have the copper iud so no hormone at all

    IUDs are great if you've already had kids, too! But it seems most doctors are reluctant to put one in if you haven't given birth.

    I feel like this is a cultural / geographic thing. Where I live, doctors dont seem reluctant at all.
  • bookyeti
    bookyeti Posts: 544 Member
    The only reason why I gained weight on the pill was because I had pre-existing hormone issues, including severe insulin resistance and PCOS. The pill can increase insulin resistance. If you don't have a issue with that to begin with, it shouldn't be a problem, but it can wreak havoc on a body already riddled with hormone problems.
  • Willowana
    Willowana Posts: 493 Member
    I'm on Tri-Sprintec. Have been for several years. No side effects whatsoever.
  • caeciliamarie
    caeciliamarie Posts: 14
    Good thread topic! I'm concerned about this, too... about to go on the pill. My doctor told me, though, that usually the most women gain is about a pound which is easy to do during that time-of-the-month anyway. Hoping as long as I keep to my food diary I'll be okay! :)
  • Tigg1011
    Tigg1011 Posts: 146
    Despite what anyone says, women can gain weight from being on birth control because it changes the levels of your hormones. and your hormones control every function of your body. I have been on various birth control pills for over 10 years and have never gained any weight on any of them except for the one I am currently on-and it's about 5 lbs-and thats 5lbs of water, not fat. I suggest going on a low dose pill, the lower the dosage of hormones, esp estrogen, the less likely you are to have side effects. There is also a strong possibility you may have to switch to another after you start taking whatever you decide to take because everyone's body reacts differently to each individual medication.
  • bethanylaugh
    bethanylaugh Posts: 237
    the "weight gain" warning refers to a possible approximate 5 pound weight gain - if that side effect even applies to you. So i wouldn't stress - 5lbs isn't much considering how much you might gain without it ;)
  • CassandraBurgos83
    CassandraBurgos83 Posts: 544 Member
    I have an IUD-no weight gain(the only bc i have ever had without weight gain) But it is terrible for other things... Long list of not so fun goodies-only up is 0 weight gain. :(
  • dynamitegalxo
    dynamitegalxo Posts: 299 Member
    I absolutely love my NuvaRing. I've been on it for well over 4 years and after trying several pills, this is the only thing that's worked for me. My periods have gotten shorter, lighter, and less intense, my PMS symptoms have almost totally disappeared, and it's been completely weight stable. My weight issues are still present, yes, but I haven't gained anything because of the ring. It's easy, convenient, and a total no-brainer for me.

    And now that I sound like a fricken commercial for the thing, I will bow out haha.. but I definitely recommend the ring over the pill. Good luck!
  • CyeRyn
    CyeRyn Posts: 389 Member
    I'm on Tri-nessa and haven't gained a lb from it.
  • michellechawner
    michellechawner Posts: 892
    I started birth control 10 years ago and didn't gain any weight from it. All pills for 10 years. Dr wanted me to do the IUD and the Ring, 1. I hate the ring (just something about sticking it up there) and I won't do an IUD as w're hoping to start a family in the next 3 years.

    I even just switched by birth control pill to another brand about 6 months ago and I'm losing weight, but no significant weight gain. I've never heard of that, from any of my doctors or friends, none of them have gained weight either.
  • originalcookiemonster
    originalcookiemonster Posts: 278
    Caloric surplus= weight gain.

    (Side note: I'm on Mirena and its pretty good.)
  • ahviendha
    ahviendha Posts: 1,291 Member
    i love love my nuvaring! it's expensive but worth it.

    i have gained weight, and lost it while on BC. it was all due to my eating habits.

    i had tried 3-4 birth control pills before nuvaring. most of them gave me crazy mood swings. i recommend nuvaring to every lady who is looking for a new bc.
  • nosey_rosey
    nosey_rosey Posts: 380 Member
    I have been on the nuva ring for years and I love it. I have successfully lost over 50lbs while on it. I would wayyyyy rather have to work harder than have another baby.... 5 is enough for me =)
  • jess7386
    jess7386 Posts: 477 Member
    You know what really causes weight gain?

    Pregnancy.

    i love you.
  • tamerita48
    tamerita48 Posts: 28 Member
    I am on nuvaring and have had no weight gain. I love it.
  • misanthropist319
    misanthropist319 Posts: 151
    I take LoEstrin24Fe and love it! There are only four days where you can possibly get your period but that barely even happens! I only use pantyliners just in case but typically I have no period. I have been on birth control for over eleven or so years and have not noticed it contributing to my weight. Contributing to my libedo yes but not weight. I've been on several other oral contraceptives, but like this one the most. Been using LoEstrin24Fe for several years now. Good luck choosing a method that works best for you!
  • kemeko
    kemeko Posts: 158 Member
    Now I am only speaking as someone who suffers from PCOS... but anytime I am on BC, it wreaks total havoc on me. I don't gain weight, but I have found that it is harder for me to lose. I'm also moodier :explode: :sad: :happy: and tend to have more cravings.

    I'm not a fan of birth control... but you have to do what you have to do!
  • peggysue218
    peggysue218 Posts: 126 Member
    The only surefire way to avoid weight gain associated with birth control methods is to avoid anything containing hormones (estrogens/progesterone). The only option for hormone-free BC is Paragard. I have it and it has had zero effect on my appetite. It's also the safest form of birth control because it doesn't contain hormones. Hormones put you at an increased risk for developing blood clots, especially if you are already hypercoaguable (clot faster) due to pre-existing (and otherwise silent) genetic factors. However, many women take hormonal BC and never get a clot. Buuuuut just saying, Paragard is arguably the most effective form of birth control with no risk of blood clotting or weight gain due to estrogens/progesterone. It can last up to ten years and can be removed at any time.
  • schaapj2
    schaapj2 Posts: 320 Member
    If it has estrogen in it...which most birth controls do, it is POSSIBLE to gain weight from it. I was on birth control for 5 years (Yaz) and never gained weight-I contribute my weight gain to numerous other factors, none of which were a direct result from the birth control. However, my bc contributed to a number of other very scary side effects including high blood pressure, interstitial cystitis, and probably contributed to me being hypothyroid d/t estrogen imbalance.

    Birth control has a lot of pros, but some pretty nasty potential side effects. Just make sure you look at all the potential side effects before beginning one. And definately go for the lowest dose you possibly can get away with to reduce the chances of estrogen dominance (especially if you plan to be on it for a significant amount of time). You want to get truly terrified, look up estrogen dominance side effects online.

    That being said, I'm taking a hiatus from birth control, but have plans to get back on a *different* kind at some point (if and when Mr. Right comes along lol).
  • vixxy83
    vixxy83 Posts: 59
    well went on a pill (cana remember the name) gained weight then came off that,
    went on to Yasmine lost a ton of weight (and was happy at that weight),
    went on the depo GAINED a ton of weight (didn't like that whatsoever well apart from the non period but then my periods went all over the place after I stopped)
    didn't have anything as I were on anti ds and steroids and made me gain again,
    had my youngest (valentines day of all days :laugh: ) and when I was preggers was size of a house :noway:
    and now im back on yasmine
    but I really do want to be sterilized 4 kids is enough especially before 30 want me body back :cry:

    I suppose really is to try different ones out and find whats best for you :smile:
  • moni_tb_192
    moni_tb_192 Posts: 188 Member
    I've been on the pill for 5 or 6 years and I've only gained weight when I don't exercise or watch what I eat. I used to think the pill was guilty for the extra pounds, but no... it was my lifestyle.

    Good luck with nuvaring!

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