Weight Gain with Birth Control Pills

Alright men, this might not be the post for you, but you may have a special person in your life who you could share this with.

It has been said for a long time the birth control pill causes women to gain weight. Is this true or not? What are the benefits and side effects of this little pill concerning your health? I decided to start reading up on it and try to gather more information.

So far, the only benefit I could find for sure is it's 99.9% accurate against pregnancy. The rest is still up for debate.

Birth Control Pills (aka "the pill" or BC) were introduced in the early 1960's. Over these past several years, the large amount of women on the pill has allowed tests and research to be done in abundance. The internet is overloaded with articles and chat rooms on this subject alone. If you are debating on which pills to use, please do your own research and find what would work for you personally. If you are debating on giving it up, there are several herbs and supplements to help you in regards to ovarian issues such as endometriosis or slowing cancers. You don't have to be in the pill! (more on supplements to come.)

After reading several articles on this subject, I found some doctors reporting there are great benefits while taking the pill, in reducing the chances of ovarian and breast cancer. The risk decreases greatly if you are not a smoker and over the age of 35 while taking the pills. If you are a smoker over the age of 35, you should not be taking the pill as the effects are the opposite and could increase the chance of these cancers. (As reported to me by my personal doctor). Several studies have also linked hormonal replacement therapy to an increased rate of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Other online doctors reported being on the pill for a prolonged time, will slow your natural estrogen and cause weight gain. The average weight gain is 3-6 pounds a year and more with the Depo shot (another form of BC). So why are women gaining MORE than 3-6 pounds a year?

The birth control pill actually changes your appetite pattern. During the week or so before your cycle (not using the pill), most women suffer from the "munchies". From sweet/salty to they just can't get enough. Naturally, this will only last a few days. The pill is said to have this same effect, yet last all month. So it may not be the actual pill itself causing the weight gain, but the uncontrolled appetite that comes with it. If you are aware of this fact and watch what you eat and control the desire to have late night snacks, it could help with the access weight gain. But losing weight on the pill can also be difficult as it causes unwanted water retention.

Another form of weight gain is in the breast tissue. It's very common for women to gain anywhere between 1 - 2.5 cup sizes while being on the pill for a prolonged time, depending on the estrogen levels in the pills. Especially if they are skipping their cycle altogether, causing the body to think it's pregnant. While stepping on the scale, you may see another 5 -8 pounds, but it could just be in the chest.

From online chats, I am finding the name brand Alesse to have the least reported weight gain and lowest amount of added estrogen's. After reading several chats, this was also the one with the least amount of complaints. Be aware there are two forms of the pill. The "minipill" only has estrogen, while the most commonly prescribed pill is a combination of estrogen and progesterone (also known as a Combined Oral Contraceptive.)

For women's health reasons alone, the condom is still the best form of BC. This will not alter your bodies hormones, estrogen levels, or mess with your metabolism. If you are looking to be healthy and drug free, if at all possible give up the "little pill" and look for another solution.

Here are some great links so you can do more research for yourself.

For more information and forum conversations check out Peer Trainer's community thread.

For more information on the pill and cancer related issues go to the National Cancer Institute.

For more information on natural alternatives check out Naturally for Her.

For more information on herbal or supplemental techniques read Natures Contraceptives.