What are common side effects of using birth control pills?

Common side effects of conventional birth-control pills include:

• Spotting or bleeding between periods;
• Missed periods;
• Breast tenderness;
• Nausea;
• Weight gain from fluid retention;
• Mild headaches;
• Tiredness;
• Mood changes;
• Decreased acne;
• Increased sex drive.

The side effects from birth control pills are related to their synthetic alterations in hormones. This causes extra stress on the liver related to its job on the biotransformation of these hormones. Side effects include:

Liver and Kidney function alternations causing changes in appetite, weight, and urination

Menstrual changes such as heavier or lighter bleeding or increased frequency of periods

 Migraines from hormonal alterations causing dilation and constriction in blood vessels in the brain

Vaginal Candida and urinary tract infections from hormonal fluctuations

Decreases effects of antibiotics and blood pressure drugs related to their interaction with hormones

Hormones affects platelet aggregation and binding globulins, meaning birth control medications can create an increased risk for clot formation and strokes

An increase in triglycerides, lipids, and blood glucose

An increase risk of ovarian, cervical , LV Cancer

Vision changes and ocular lesions

Gallbladder issues from bile alterations with excess estrogen

High blood pressure related to hormonal effects on the heart

Fluid retention from the hormones interactions with the adrenal glands

 

 

Side effects of birth control pills can include weight gain, emotional irritability, hair loss, acne, gastric reflux, constipation, and decreased sex drive. If you are adversely affected by a low libido, then at least you'll know it's because of the pill and not necessarily because of the relationship itself.