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Does Birth Control Make you Gain Weight?

5 mins read

When taking birth control or oral contraceptives, as with anything that changes the way your body functions, you’ll need to know the answers to some very serious questions. For instance, does taking birth control lead to additional weight gain? Do birth control pills lead to water retention, or interfere with the body’s normal interactions with estrogen? These questions are at the core of the side effects of birth control, and worth exploring in greater detail to anyone considering taking it—especially hormonal birth control.

 

Does Birth Control Make You Gain Additional Weight Breakdown?

Does Birth Control Make You Gain Additional Weight Breakdown

 

To answer the first question off the bat, extensive reviews of birth control methods like oral contraceptives have found that hormonal birth control’s relationship with weight gain is difficult to establish. It’s true that older types of birth control methods and oral contraceptives in the past had higher levels of estrogen and progestin, which could potentially lead to issues like gaining weight. However, birth control has evolved over time, leading to different and potentially milder side effects.

 

For starters, individual response to birth control will always vary. And there may be some water weight fluctuations that come with birth control options like these. For the most part, some fluid retention will be generally harmless, although if you’re concerned about these issues, you should certainly talk them over with your healthcare provider.

 

Understanding Different Forms of Birth Control

Understanding Different Forms of Birth Control

Hormonal contraceptives are only one type of birth control. The truth is, issues like weight loss and weight changes can be avoided depending on the style of birth control you seek out. Let’s explore some of these forms of birth control so you can better understand them:

 

  • IUD. An IUD, or Intrauterine Device.  is a small device implanted into the uterus designed to prevent pregnancy. Intrauterine devices have obvious differences to contraceptive pills in that you won’t be taking contraceptives overally. However, some IUDs do come with hormones, so this is not always a hormone-free method of birth control. Copper IUDs may not have hormones. These are reversible devices too, meaning that when you want to begin having a family, you have that option.
  • Birth control pills. This is a wide-ranging category, which makes it hard to rate it as the “best birth control” option, as you will want to consult with a professional health care provider to ensure that you’re using the best options for your specific situation. Birth control pills can come in the form of combination pills, which have both estrogen and progestin, or progestin-only pills, which are less common. The hormones in birth control pills work by preventing ovulation, which in turn prevents a pregnancy from taking place.
  • Diaphgram. The diaphragm is a small, flexible cup that can be put inside the vagina during sexual intercourse. This covers the cervix to prevent pregnancy, rather than preventing ovulation or interfering with the menstrual cycle.

 

These are just a preview of the different types of birth control available. Other types, such as the vaginal ring, also can interfere with the fertilization process. However, for those concerned about the birth control pill’s effects on weight gain, it helps to focus in on combined oral contraceptives and their potential influence on the body.

 

How Might Birth Control Make Someone Gain Weight?

How Might Birth Control Make Someone Gain Weight

Not all forms of birth control have the same effects on women’s health or lead to weight gain. The primary concern for women isn’t whether a device like an IUD or a diaphragm is going to lead to weight gain—although an IUD may have hormones that affect the body. For many women, the primary concern is the effects of combined oral contraceptives on their long-term fertility and their overall health.

 

The truth about oral contraceptives and weight gain is complicated. The first question is: will hormones cause permanent weight gain or not? Most sources will likely tell you that oral contraceptives don’t cause permanent weight gain, as weight can fluctuate up and down over the long run. However, some birth control methods may directly lead to weight gain, such as medroxyprogesterone, according to GoodRX.

 

Another question is: what type of weight gain is this? Is it water weight, or do some people put on body fat as a result of taking birth control pills? Water weight fluctuations can be normal and even part of everyday life, being diet-dependent. Longer-term weight gain is typically the result of increased body fat.

 

You do have to be careful about the feelings of excess water causing bloating, which in turn adds to the “feeling” of weight gain.

 

Hormones will affect different processes in your body, which is important for anyone to consider. Non-hormonal birth control doesn’t have these same effects, but will have other trade-offs that you’ll want to weigh as you consider your options. While it’s possible you will experience weight gain as a result of taking birth control, individual responses always vary. Some other common side effects to hormonal birth control methods, for example, include migraines.

 

Why Does Birth Control Make Someone Gain Weight?

There is some thought that the hormones in birth control increase appetite and water retention, leading to the changes in body fat and body weight over time. It’s also possible that this relationship isn’t yet fully understand—hormones do have an effect on appetite, and not always in predictable ways.

 

To better understand your body and what it goes through when taking birth control, you’re going to want to know everything involved. Taking pills with estrogen and progestin can stop ovulation, and there can be side effects to the dramatic changes going on in your body to make this happen. That’s why it’s important to talk these side effects over with a licensed medical professional before you seek birth control. Understand what goes on in your body and you’ll have a better chance of knowing the best path forward for you in your particular journey.

 

Schedule your next birth control exam and more at Great City Medical today!

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I had a great experience at Great City Medical. My appointment was scheduled right away, the staff is very nice and professional, communication was great and prompt. Highly recommend!
Stephany B.
Stephany B.
00:35 27 Sep 23
Great and fast service.. very friendly doctors and assistants..
Mohammed Y.
Mohammed Y.
19:40 26 Sep 23
Great place and Friendly staff .Dr. Tsyba is awesome
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M.
16:54 21 Sep 23
Muy buenas atenciones 👍🏽
Mateo Rosario H.
Mateo Rosario H.
16:22 21 Sep 23
The doctor and staff were truly amazing. They are friendly, caring and very professional. I was seen immediately and felt very comfortable in the calmenvironment.
Daysi P.
Daysi P.
00:31 15 Sep 23
helpful,quick response and communication
Cherry P.
Cherry P.
01:26 14 Sep 23
It was all smooth. They shared the information with me prior to the medical immigration test. I highly recommend great city. 5 stars for e-communication and responsiveness!
Mahy H.
Mahy H.
17:34 13 Sep 23
Th everyone is amazing! From the reception all the way to the doctors
Winnie G.
Winnie G.
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The wait to be seen is short and everybody worked well together to give each patient a pleasant experience.
Sharon P.
Sharon P.
22:46 05 Sep 23
The staff was knowledgeable of my situation and took care of me properly.
Tyrone M.
Tyrone M.
18:26 30 Aug 23
Good service!
Leandro A.
Leandro A.
16:38 30 Aug 23
Dr yelena is great
Dayana R
Dayana R
16:20 30 Aug 23
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
23:19 29 Aug 23
Muy profesional
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
18:25 22 Aug 23
Fun visit, everyone was super sweet and beautiful! From the front desk allllll the way up until I had my blood drawn at the end! Would recommend to any woman/person
Jasmine K.
Jasmine K.
00:01 15 Aug 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.
ibro D.
ibro D.
16:45 09 Aug 23
I finally have a great medical Dr.. She ordered blood work an gave me medical referrals.I love my GYN DR. at this office tooThe office is very nice n clean the front desk receptionists are all very nice a pleasant
Kyra W.
Kyra W.
17:53 07 Aug 23
I think Dr. Akselrud’s bedside manner is exceptional. It mimics the hospitality depicted in movie, s yet rarely experienced in actual life. As such, I appreciate his expertise and welcome his opinion regarding my health and well-being.I consider him to be a Grade A physician without question!
latia H.
latia H.
23:28 03 Aug 23
Great experience!
Yami
Yami
18:00 28 Jul 23
Fast service , great assistance
Ayanna G.
Ayanna G.
16:37 28 Jul 23
I go there for my immigration exam! Everything was so perfect! Everyone was so nice with me! This is the perfect place to go for anything you want. They will help you!
Jonas C.
Jonas C.
18:05 27 Jul 23
Excelente personal very friendly ,they made easy your visit to the Dr. RECOMIENDADISIMO
Ingrid C.
Ingrid C.
19:05 26 Jul 23
It was a great experience for me as the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, also there was almost no waiting time. It was efficient, in a great atmosphere.
Ishak-Kristof F.
Ishak-Kristof F.
17:13 21 Jul 23
The people that was working with me was very nice
tyrese C.
tyrese C.
16:30 21 Jul 23
Great staff, great experience the lady’s were very professional
1 Hungry Y.
1 Hungry Y.
19:01 20 Jul 23
Great guys. Anthony is awesome.
Alberto A.
Alberto A.
18:23 20 Jul 23
The place is clean the staff and the Doctor made me feel comfortable and welcome
vickie F.
vickie F.
18:48 19 Jul 23
The doctor I saw was lovely and personable. I’d only suggest they improve the overall appearance of the practice. The floors were a bit dirty, the bathroom too.
Sophie S
Sophie S
15:45 14 Jul 23
Excelente atención
J&L LOS R.
J&L LOS R.
16:04 11 Jul 23
DR.GRANA IS THE BEST
A Luis S.
A Luis S.
17:58 10 Jul 23
I love This Medical Office!@
Ethel C.
Ethel C.
23:11 05 Jul 23
Muy buen servicio, rapido y muy amables
Luis M Perez S.
Luis M Perez S.
04:04 02 Jul 23
Service was kind, friendly and helpful.
Phyllis T.
Phyllis T.
20:22 22 Jun 23
I have been to three states and I have never come across a medical facility where all the staff look so happy, they are all so friendly, patient orientated, gentle in care and knowledgeable with patient informing! I am so happy I found them and would recommend to everyone!
Kyle V.
Kyle V.
20:05 15 Jun 23
Service was good. Very welcoming.
Fatima O.
Fatima O.
14:55 15 Jun 23
Fue muy buen servicio todo el personal muy amable
Silvia G.
Silvia G.
22:37 14 Jun 23
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
15:08 14 Jun 23
Very nice always very professional
Madeline C.
Madeline C.
16:38 13 Jun 23
The front dest, nurses and the doctor are very nice and professional.I didn’t wait and entered my appointment on time and everything was really quick.Overall, great experience. I highly recommend 🙂
Tzlil B.
Tzlil B.
17:27 06 Jun 23
So easy and effective getting my medical done with this team… a bit shoutout especially to Patricia who was so communicative and lovely throughout the process. And all the doctors were very comforting with my vaccines and bloods as I’m not the best with needles lol!! Can’t recommend more.
Flynn S.
Flynn S.
16:43 05 Jun 23
My original appointment was with Dr. Tysba however I was seen by the NP instead. Which turned out fine, she was great.Good Job!
Anasha A.
Anasha A.
17:52 03 Jun 23
Very happy with the year check up today 06/01/23
juan S.
juan S.
18:43 01 Jun 23
I Loved the Dr I seen today she was extremely friendly and made me feel very comfortable.I’m definitely going to make this my primary GYN clinic
Quaidasia T.
Quaidasia T.
19:26 31 May 23
I went to Great City Medical for an immigration medical exam. Very friendly staff! The lady who worked with me was so sweet, explained everything and answered all my questions. I spent 15 min in my first visit there (blood work and fill out forms).Bring your immunization records to avoid extra charges for vaccine shots.UPD: I received I-693 in a sealed envelope as well as a copy of I-693. The whole process was smooth and straightforward.
Ksenia K
Ksenia K
17:23 26 May 23
Amazing service and fast !!!
White P.
White P.
20:21 23 May 23
Our experience was great we had great service and would recommend anyone with immigration medical examination to try this service. Thank to Great City Medical.
Joe V.
Joe V.
17:53 23 May 23
Excellent service. Great staff.
Ivette T.
Ivette T.
17:18 22 May 23
Super friendly and efficient. They know their stuff.
Chris S.
Chris S.
15:48 22 May 23
Great. Wait was surprising ok. Everyone was very nice 👍 Always a pleasant experience 😊
Lex G.
Lex G.
15:28 22 May 23
The wait was a little long, but worth it. They were great. Very nice ladies😁
Amanda P.
Amanda P.
16:55 17 May 23
Me encantaron las atenciones de principio a fin. Especialmente el trato de Anthony que se mostró muy empatico con mi caso y SUPER servicial y amable.También son muy considerados con lo que realmente a uno le hace falta y lo que no. Ellos hacen las cosas como se debe sin importar que cobren más o menos dinero.En general la experiencia fue excelente.
Nicanor N.
Nicanor N.
11:27 17 May 23
Great visit. Very efficient
Glenda C.
Glenda C.
21:05 15 May 23
Son muy amables las chicas del front desk y las doctoras también
luisaa L.
luisaa L.
19:31 08 May 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.Even the way they accommodate those who do not speak clear English is impressive. I must confess, I have never seen nor experienced such courtesy, patience and civility amongst healthcare professionals.The quality of service was also excellent. Very humble people. The doctor, very humble, accommodating, and HIGHLY professional.I’m glad I found this place. I highly recommend! 👍
Victoria A.
Victoria A.
19:31 04 May 23
Didn’t have an appointment and the money but I was taken care of staff where very friendly I do appreciate your service thank you.
Abdul M.
Abdul M.
16:31 01 May 23
They were so nice and patient and caring the best Clinic in New York
Stephanie H.
Stephanie H.
10:00 27 Apr 23
I love this place. The staff is the best, fluent Spanish, great service. I would come to their facility any day of the week!
Paul C.
Paul C.
16:09 26 Apr 23
Started my journey with Great City medical early this year, and it has been a positive experience soo far. Great team
Laila B.
Laila B.
18:35 18 Apr 23
Always have a pleasant experience with Dr. Granna.
Guillermo P.
Guillermo P.
17:40 17 Apr 23
Very professional all the staff in the front. My doctor the best and I am so thankful him. I have improved in my health. I so happy that get better and go part time job when 68 year in September turn 68years old.
Bevelynn T.
Bevelynn T.
17:29 14 Apr 23
Fue mi primera vez y me gusto mucho dan Excelente atención, las recepcionistas,la enfermera y la doctora muy amables, atienden muy rápido, dan un magnífico servicio, lo recomiendo al 💯
Zery M.
Zery M.
23:13 12 Apr 23
Great people great service
Ac B.
Ac B.
12:55 07 Apr 23
Very professional I recommend going to this facility. Staff was very friendly and courteous…
Charles Hackett J.
Charles Hackett J.
21:11 06 Apr 23
Always good service and kind people over there. I had 3 year’s going to there and I had good service with good doctors. Thank you for all the staff.
Yaneth P.
Yaneth P.
22:45 05 Apr 23
As a holistic & integrative practitioner, my PCP, Dr. Marly Grana is Amazing, has ALWAYS been & Is totally Respectful, Wise, patient, Gifted, extremely Understanding & smart treating me!Her staff, from the front desk-to-the-back is always accommodating & Extremely Professional as well!The facilities are clean.I’m blessed to have been invited to this new establishment when they began building.In this community, I’m fortunate to visit Amazing Acupuncturists, & GrowNYC.Sometimes it’s a win-win excursion.The gynecologist & her NP, on the other hand, does not support my insightful wholistic approach to healing & sustaining.
Bonita B.
Bonita B.
21:03 05 Apr 23
This is the best doctor office I have ever been ,the staffing it’s so professional and welcoming specially patricia I love her she’s amazing. My doctor Mikhail AkselRuD it’s the best ,he always give all the details about what you have and what treatment you need god bless all of them.
adalgisa S.
adalgisa S.
00:04 31 Mar 23
Great staff and service. Dr. Tsyba is the best!
Jackie L.
Jackie L.
20:05 30 Mar 23
Fast service, understanding. My Questions were answered and I felt very comfortable. Will definitely go again for follow up. Many blessings 🙌 🙏
Juanita E.
Juanita E.
23:17 29 Mar 23
I had a deadline to submit my I-693 and Great City medical came through just right for me. Timely and speedy process and the best customer service nurses I’ve experienced.
Ralph M.
Ralph M.
14:06 24 Mar 23
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