Birth Control Side Effects | Your #1 Source for Birth Control Tips and Advice

February 1, 2010

When You Should Switch Your Birth Control Pill

Filed under: Alesse birth control, Birth Control Side Effects, Menstrual Cramps, Uncategorized, birth control types, contraceptive, switching pils — Amanda @ 3:45 pm

The pill is a common contraception option among women. It is an easy way to prevent pregnancy if taken properly and can be up to 99% effective. However some specific types of birth control pills may not be the best option for you. Your body may react differently to the medicine, and many women choose to switch to a different pill if the side effects are unbearable.

Side effects - There are usually side effects with most birth control pills. If you experience minor side effects its not a sign to switch pills. Side effects are common in most people, and the side effects are listed in the booklet that comes with a pack of pills. Common side effects can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, and changes in blood pressure. If you notice any unusual symptoms mention them to your doctor on your next visit – they may suggest switching pills.

Menstruation Changes - If there has been any change in your regular menstrual cycle after going on the pill, consider the changes. While on the pill your periods should be lighter and shorter, not heavier and longer. If you experience increased menstrual bleeding after going on the pill, tell your doctor and see if they recommend the use of a different pill. If you feel increased discomfort during your period (painful cramps or other symptoms starting a week before your period) inform your doctor. The pill should not make period symptoms worse. If birth control improves the comfort of your menstrual period, it is not necessary to switch pills.

Weight Gain - Before you assume that the pill is causing you to gain wait, think about any lifestyle changes that you’ve made after going on the pill. People often blame weight gain on birth control, but there is very little evidence that the pill causes weight gain. Pills that are higher in estrogen levels can lead to an increased appetite and water retention, making you bloated. Tell your doctor if you feel that your pill caused you to gain weight. They may switch you to a pill with lower hormone levels such as Yasmin or Alesse.

Mood Swings - You may experience mood swings that started with taking the pill. The hormone levels in birth control pills cause mood swings in most women. If you notice that you are starting to feel depressed or moody for no apparent reason, it could be because of the birth control pill that you are on. You may want to talk to your doctor about your options, but in most cases switching pills will not solve this problem.

Cost- The birth control you are on may be too expensive for your lifestyle. If you are having trouble paying for your birth control every month, try switching to a generic brand. These pills are more affordable than the brand name pills you pay for.

Usually, different types of birth control pills can improve your symptoms and side effects. However, if you feel that birth control pills aren’t right for you, there are many other contraceptive options available such as patches, rings, and IUDs.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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August 31, 2009

Common Birth Control Side Effects

Filed under: Birth Control Pill, Birth Control Side Effects, Uncategorized, birth control, birth control pills, breast tenderness, dizziness, headaches, mood swings, nausea, side effects of birth control, spotting — Amanda @ 11:15 am

When taking hormone based birth control, you will likely be faced with several side effects as a result of your body’s way of adapting to the hormones. With birth control, the side effects usually go away after 3 months of use, so as long as you can trek through the rough patch, you will reap the benefits of birth control.

Headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness are common side effects for women taking hormonal birth control. The best way to handle these symptoms is to take a couple of Advil, lie down, and drink a glass of water if the symptoms become unbearable.
Nausea is a possible side effect of birth control. This symptom usually goes away after a couple months of use.

Spotting is when you have breakthrough bleeding between periods that is usually very light. The trouble with spotting is that is is unpredictable. Try taking the pill at the same time everyday in order to prevent spotting. For those who have spotting while using a ring or IUD, try a different method of birth control. The spotting will stop when your body becomes used to the changes.

Mood swings are the utmost common side effects of using birth control. Because your body is taking in more female hormones, you may find yourself in a constant emotional state. For many women, this symptom is prominent in the first few months of taking birth control. After three months it becomes less noticeable.

If you are experiencing extreme side effects, try switching methods or pills. Remember that almost all side effects will die away after several months of using birth control.

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August 10, 2009

Get Rid of Acne with Birth Control Pills

Filed under: Birth Control Pill, Birth Control Side Effects, Uncategorized, acne, birth control types, breakouts, clear skin, menstrual periods, menstural cycle, oily skin, pimple, skin — Amanda @ 9:09 am

For women who tend to break out around their menstrual period, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down the skins oil gland activity. Androgen is a male hormone that stimulates the skins oil glands, therefore causes acne. Low-dose birth control pills decrease the excess androgens in the body. This means that breakouts will be prevented! Consult your doctor about birth control, and ask about these brands:

Yasmin

Yasmin is a low-dose birth control pill that has been known to reduce acne breakouts in its users. It is affordable and does not cause severe side effects. Yasmin birth control is the most popular among young adults.

Yaz

Yaz birth control pills will clear acne after about 2 or 3 months of use. Some women on Yaz have also reported to having “baby smooth skin” while using it. Yaz users find that they continue to have acne for several months before their body gets used to the new hormones. This side effect is common in many birth control pills. After the first 3 months, the benefits start to kick in. When trying a pill it is good to take it for at least 3 months in order to experience its potential.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is not for everyone; however those who try it and like it experience very satisfying results. Have a consultation with your doctor when choosing a brand of birth control pill – they will know if Ortho Tri-Cyclen is right for you.

Other pills that help clear acne: Mircette, Alesse, Trivora, Cyclessa

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January 29, 2009

Stopping the Pill. Starting the Pill

Filed under: Birth Control Side Effects, Stopping the pill, Uncategorized, birth control pills, conceiving, oral contraceptive, post-pill amenorrhea, pregnancy — Janine @ 5:37 pm

When you feel that the pill you are currently on is not the right pill for you, stopping the pill is a good idea. After being on the pill for over 3 months, if you continue to notice discomforting side effects (headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, depression, vaginal infections, and cramps, just to name a few), those are signs that you should stop the pill and try another oral contraceptive.

Can I stop taking the pill immediately or should I wait till the end of the pack?

If you have just started taking birth control pills or is trying a new brand of pills, it is recommended to stay on it the pill for the first 3 months even and if are experiencing negative side effects. The negative side effects normally would pass after 3 months. If it continues, you may stop the pill.

Stopping the pill may change your regular menstrual cycle. You can stop taking the pill immediately if you are uncomfortable with continuing the pill. As soon you stop taking the pill, you will experience bleeding.

When stopping the pill, make sure you have an alternative form of contraception, such as a condom.

If I have stopped taking the pill and want to get back on the pill, should I wait until it is the beginning of a month?

If you are starting a new brand of birth control pills, make sure you have a back up method of contraception such as condoms. Your first pack of pills may not protect you from pregnancy on the first week of taking them.

You can start your pills today, on the day your period begins, on the fifth day your period begins, or on the first Sunday after your period begins (so your menses will almost always begin on a Tuesday or Wednesday).

If I stop the pill and my period does not come back, what does that mean?

If you do not get your period after stopping the pill for three months, you should first take a home pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. If you are not pregnant and still did not get your period for at least three months, see your doctor. You may be experiencing post-pill amenorrhea. Post-pill amenorrhea is when the pill stops your body from producing hormones needed for ovulation and menstruation. It may take some time before your body gets back into regular production of these hormones needed for your menstruation.

If I am planning to become pregnant, when should I stop taking the pill?

It is recommended to stop taking the birth control pill one month before you conceive so you can get back on your regular natural menstrual flow. If you are planning on stopping the pill longer before you conceive, make sure you are using other forms of contraception such as condoms.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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December 18, 2008

Birth control and its side effects

Filed under: Birth Control Side Effects, Uncategorized, androgen, birth control, estrogen, progestin, side effects — Janine @ 3:30 pm

If you are experiencing side effects from a birth control pill that you are not comfortable with, learning about the effects of estrogen and progestin in birth control pills can help you choose which is the best birth control pill for you. Oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin.

What is Progestin?

Progestin is a man made substance with similar properties as the natural progesterone developed in woman’s body. It stimulates progesterone receptors, preventing ovulation and lessens menstrual bleeding.

What is Androgen?

Androgen refers to the likelihood of progestin causing unpleasant side effects. When Progestins have high androgenic activity, chances of androgenic related side effects (such as acne and hirsutism-unwanted female hair growth) may increase. Progestins with low androgenic activity may have minor or no effect on carbohydrate metabolism (breaking down and creating sugars in small quantities for the body to produce energy).

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is the main sex hormone in women, essential to the menstrual cycle. It consists of estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Estrogen works in two ways; it regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy by enriching and thickening the endometrium. The more estrogen there is in a woman body, the least amount of side effects your body will experience from progestin.

What are the birth control side effects and their Progestin/Estrogen levels?

Below is a general guideline of Birth Control side effects; it may not apply to every woman.

Absent period or too light menstrual flow-High estrogen,Low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Brevicon

Acne-High estrogen,low androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Brevicon, Mircette, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yasmin

Breast Soreness-Low estrogen, low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse

Depression-Low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Brevicon, Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Endometriosis or Endometriosis Prevention (Growth outside the uterus)-Low estrogen, higher progestin potency, higher androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Levora, Loestrin 1.5/30, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Nordette.

Headaches (not menstrual migraines)-Low estrogen, low prgestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Brevicon, Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Moodiness or Irritability-Low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Yasmin

Severe Menstrual Cramps-High progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Mircette, Loestrin 1.5/30, Yasmin

Spotting (Break through bleeding)-High estrogen, high porgestin potency, low androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Yasmin

Weight Gain-Low estrogen, low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Yasmin

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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