If you are actively taking birth control pills or are considering them, you may be wondering about the side effects that you can encounter along the way. While most of the side effects associated with birth control are relatively minor, they can be frustrating and there are steps that you can take to minimize or even eliminate these side effects. Let’s go ahead and cover some of the most common birth control side effects and what you can do about them:
1. Headaches
Since many forms of birth control contain hormones, some people experience headaches as a result of the changes in hormone levels in their bodies while on birth control. While some individuals may experience no problems at all with hormonal forms of birth control, others can be extremely sensitive and can suffer from headaches and even migraines as a result. If you find yourself dealing with headaches while on a form of birth control that contains hormones, you may wish to try a non-hormonal form of birth control that could potentially cause fewer headaches.
2. Changes in Mood
Another of the most common birth control side effects is changes in mood, which are also linked to the hormones found in many forms of birth control. When your hormone levels fluctuate, it affects your overall brain chemistry, which can lead to changes in mood. While some people find that changing the type of birth control that they are using is the best solution to this issue, these changes in mood can sometimes be effectively managed through regular exercise, good sleep, and a proper diet, all of which contribute to hormone stability and can help to maintain a more consistent mood.
3. Nausea
The next of the birth control side effects commonly faced by patients is nausea. There are two forms of nausea associated with birth control; one is due to the action of a contraceptive pill dissolving in the stomach and irritating the stomach lining, this is common with many medications, and can be resolved by eating a small snack when you take your pill. It is also important to note that this type of nausea does not happen with non-oral forms of birth control. The second type of nausea is associated with hormonal changes, as high estrogen levels lead to nausea, such as the nausea seen in morning sickness during pregnancy. Birth control also changes micronutrient levels in the body and some deficiencies can cause nausea. This is common in all forms of birth control, and is better managed by switching brands or forms of birth control, or supplementing with proper micronutrients.
4. Weight Gain
Another side effect that many women notice while they are taking birth control is weight gain, which can occur due to increased fluid retention within the body as a result of hormones within the pill. In many cases, this side effect can be managed through a healthy diet and consistent exercise, but for some people, it may be best to switch to an alternative form of birth control in order to minimize unwanted weight gain.
Now that you know a bit more about how to manage some of the top birth control side effects, you are more prepared to take advantage of the benefits of birth control without dealing with unwanted side effects. And if you are looking for additional information or assistance in managing birth control side effects, you can reach out to our team for all the best recommendations, and more. We look forward to assisting you!
