Can birth control pills cause you to gain weigh and how soon?

Birth Control pills that can make you gain weight are typically the older types that had higher doses of hormones. These caused more pronounced side effects. However, modern contraceptive pills have lower hormone levels, so they generally won’t be enough to make your body store more fat.

In any case, you should still get checked at your gynaecology clinic in Singapore if you grow significantly bigger while using birth control pills. The healthcare provider can help you explore alternatives that won’t affect your figure.

Let’s discuss some key factors that influence your weight when you’re on birth control.

What Other Factors Lead to Weight Gain While Using Birth Control Pills?

• Fluid Retention - Birth control pills that have oestrogen can cause water retention and thus temporary weight gain. This is because the hormones can trigger your kidneys to keep more sodium. As a result, your body holds on to more water and makes you feel bloated for a time.
• Increased Appetite - The hormone progestin in many birth control pills can also stimulate your hunger hormones. This makes you experience more cravings — often for more fatty and sugary foods. It can be difficult for some women to control their appetite because of this.
• Emotional Eating - Your mood can also be influenced by the hormones in these contraceptives. It could make you more emotionally sensitive, which in turn can cause you to eat more as a way to cope with whatever you’re feeling.

Discuss Major Weight Changes With Your Gynae

While nowadays it’s highly unlikely that you will gain a lot of weight once you start taking birth control, we should always remember that not everyone will have the same experience. Our bodies can react differently from what’s typically expected.

Should you notice anything out of the norm with your weight or your overall condition, do not hesitate to visit your gynaecology clinic in Singapore, such as WS Law Women’s Clinic and Laparoscopic Surgery Centre. The gynae can help create a plan to manage your side effects or find other birth control methods that may be more suitable for you.

Let’s not let these side effects turn into more serious concerns for you.