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While some experts say that one of
the side effects of taking pills for birth control is an
increase in weight, there are many studies that have not found
any correlation between the two. Many women do experience
weight gain as a side-effect of taking the birth control pill.
The average weight gain is 4
pounds and it occurs typically in the first three months. But
any weight gain caused by the contraceptive pill is fairly
modest and unlikely to be greater than 4-6 pounds overall.
One of the reasons why birth control pills may cause weight
gain is the presence of estrogen and progestin in the pills.
These hormones can cause fluid retention, increased body fat,
and a bigger appetite in some women. Estrogen in high doses is
known to cause weight gain due to fluid retention. The more
estrogen there is in a pill, the more the possibilities of
gaining weight. The estrogen in the pills causes stimulation
of kidney substances called renin-angiotensin leading to water
retention. Progestin is credited with stimulating and
increasing appetite.
To minimize the effect of any increase in weight, it is
suggested to use the lowest possible estrogen containing birth
control pill. Following are the pills that contain the lowest
estrogen doses available in the market today:
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AlesseŽ
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LevliteŽ
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Loestrin-FeŽ
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MircetteŽ
If you are having any weight gain
or fluid retention symptoms, ask your physician or health care
provider to switch you to one of the lowest dose pills. Any
weight gain of more than 5% of body weight after starting on
pills may be a signal of insulin resistance or abnormal
glucose metabolism. So, consult your health care provider if
you are worried about the weight gain.
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