Which drinks don't make you fat? How not to gain weight from hormonal pills? Questions to the gynecologist

Birth control pills are one of the effective means of contraception. In addition to protecting against unwanted pregnancy, they normalize hormonal levels and improve ovarian function. Under their influence, the cycle stabilizes, and menstruation becomes painless.

Many women, before starting to take it, ask: is it possible to gain weight from birth control? Certain types of pills can actually provoke an increase of 2–5 kg. But if the drug is chosen correctly, by balancing your diet, you can get rid of these kilograms in a few months, when the body adapts to taking the medicine.

Action OK

By taking pills, a woman receives substances that are analogues of her hormones. At the same time, the brain signals that the concentration of hormones in the body is sufficient and the ovaries are not given the command to produce their own.

Substances entering the blood, depending on their type, trigger several processes that interfere with pregnancy.

Estrogen (it is what provokes weight gain) has the following effect:

1. It prevents the maturation of the egg, resulting in ovulation not occurring.
2. Disturbs secretory processes in the uterus. As a result, the mucous membrane swells and implantation of the embryo becomes impossible.
3. The reverse development of the corpus luteum begins, which after ovulation produces a hormone that prepares the body for pregnancy - progesterone.

Progestin:

1. Prevents the growth of the endometrium lining the uterine cavity, making it impossible for the embryo to implant.
2. Reduces the activity of substances that promote egg fertilization.
3. Changes the composition of the cervical mucus that covers the cervix, making it impermeable to sperm.
4. Blocks the secretion of hormones responsible for ovulation.
5. Reduces contraction of the uterus and fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from moving through them.

Thus, birth control pills are highly effective. And even if ovulation occurs, pregnancy will not occur.

New generation contraceptives. Prices, reviews

Even in the last generation, women could not even think that contraceptives could not only prevent unwanted pregnancy, but also improve their well-being and help make a woman’s appearance much more attractive. After the course begins, the skin becomes smoother, rashes and oiliness are eliminated, hair and nails are strengthened.

Here are a few drugs that have a good reputation among the female half of the population:

• Jess - this drug is taken orally. Its effect is due to the fact that ovulation is suppressed in a woman’s body and sperm are immobilized in the cervix.

Why do I gain weight?

The first OCs had a high estrogen content - 50 mcg. And due to metabolic disorders, after a few months of taking the pills, the woman discovered that she had gained weight. Most often, fat accumulated on the stomach.

In modern drugs, the amount of the hormone is reduced by more than 2 times. This allows you to avoid severe side effects. But even now there are complaints that after starting to take birth control pills, weight begins to increase. This may be due to the following reasons:

• Edema. Estrogen slows down the removal of fluid from the body, causing it to accumulate. If your weight has increased by 1–2 kg, start drinking diuretic teas.
• Incorrectly selected pills. You cannot make a decision about taking OCs on your own based on the advice of your sister or friend. Everyone has their own body and what suits one may harm another. It can cause health problems and hormonal imbalance. Only a gynecologist can prescribe a contraceptive after an examination.
• Increased appetite is a side effect of all contraceptives. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you burn no less calories than you eat and lead an active lifestyle. Exercise will have a beneficial effect. A woman is advised to follow a diet and limit carbohydrates and fats.
• Health problems. Do you take medications prescribed by your doctor, exercise enough, eat in moderation, there is no swelling, but your weight continues to increase? Visit an endocrinologist to have your thyroid gland checked. One of the characteristic symptoms of its dysfunction is weight gain for no apparent reason.

A sharp increase in body weight of more than 5 kg is a reason to consult a doctor. He will assess your condition and prescribe other medications.

Even if everything is fine, when taking birth control you need to visit a gynecologist once every 3 months.

Do birth control pills cause weight gain?

So, we must admit that a similar problem existed due to the high content of hormones in OC. Previously, oral contraceptives contained a very high estrogen content (50 mcg), which actually caused weight gain. Modern drugs contain about 30 mcg, and low-dose ones - 20-15 mcg.

So, contraceptives by themselves do not provide any weight gain.

. Weight gain can only happen if you, “on the advice of a friend or the Internet,” prescribe pills for yourself without consulting a doctor.

Let's be honest and note that some studies do find a relationship between birth control medications and energy intake and some increases in overall calorie and fat intake; other studies have found no associated effects.

Because these data are limited, it is difficult to say whether different types of birth control or individual differences make a difference. De facto, of course, the female body reacts extremely differently to contraceptives.

But the same can be said about the behavior of women during the menstrual cycle in general. Some people calmly, as they say, “on their feet”, endure all the hardships, some begin to hamster everything that is nailed down, others can barely move from pain. Many factors influence this: differences in hormone levels, sensitivity, etc.

The same is true for energy expenditure, while one study found a small increase in basal metabolic rate of 5% due to contraceptive use, another study found no change. Again, drug type and individual characteristics likely played a role.

Conclusion

: in most cases, not a single significant change in body weight has been recorded in connection with taking birth control pills, although many have a tendency to increase body weight by 2-3 kg in the first months of use, but after a few months of use the weight has stabilized .

This is due to several reasons:

increased appetite

;

fluid retention in the body

- an analogue of progesterone, which is contained in OCs, provokes a slower removal of fluid from the body; if edema is detected, you should read our article;

hormonal imbalances

- if weight gain is observed while following a diet, normal physical activity and the absence of edema, then weight gain while taking OCs may indicate disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland and hormonal imbalance,
in such cases it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist
.

Popular OK

Depending on the substances that make up birth control pills, they are divided into two groups:

1. Combination drugs containing both progestogens and estrogens.
2. Monocomponent or otherwise mini-pills. These are contraceptives that contain one active ingredient – ​​progestins. They are well tolerated by the body and can be drunk even during lactation. OCs do not affect metabolic processes and do not lead to weight gain. At the same time, high efficiency is combined with rapid restoration of reproductive function after the end of treatment. Mini-pills include: Charozetta, Microlut, Exluton.

Combination drugs have three types:

1. Monophasic. Each tablet in the pack contains the same amount of hormones. In addition to preventing pregnancy, they are used to reduce pain during menstruation, stabilize the cycle, and for endometriosis. If you forget to take OK, to maintain effectiveness it is enough to take a double dose of the medicine the next day. These include drugs such as Lindinet-20, Non-Ovlon, Yarina, Novinet, Zhanine.
2. Two-phase. The concentration of estrogen in each tablet is the same. And the dose of progestin depends on the day of the cycle. As a rule, they are prescribed if the body produces an increased amount of male hormones. The most popular are Anteovin, Divina, Klimen.
3. Three-phase. The composition of the tablets varies in the amount of progestogen and estrogen. The change in the concentration of substances coincides as closely as possible with the natural change in the level of hormones in the female body during the cycle. These drugs include Tri-mercy, Triziston, Tri-regol.

Contraceptives differ in the concentration of hormonal substances:

• Microdosed. They contain estrogen in the range of 15–20 mcg, and up to 150 mcg of progestogen. Allowed for girls and teenagers. These are birth control pills that don't make you fat. These include Novinet, Logest, Jess.
• Low-dose with estrogen concentrations up to 30 mcg. These are drugs such as Diane-35, Yarina, Janine, Tri-Mercy.
• High-dose (Anteovin, Non-Ovlon). They contain an increased concentration of hormones, which are more difficult for the body to tolerate and can affect weight gain.

If a woman or girl has not previously taken oral contraceptives, the doctor will most likely prescribe microdosed monophasic drugs. If ovulation is not blocked, low-dose OCs are prescribed.

Doctors' opinion

Birth control pills, which sometimes make women lose weight, are not weight loss supplements. Their use for their intended purpose is possible only after examination and consultation with a gynecologist. To avoid gaining weight, you need to eat right and provide your body with adequate physical activity.

You should be aware of the possible occurrence of adverse reactions and the identification of contraindications to use. Taking contraceptives can also lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases. Smoking while using COCs greatly increases the risk of thrombosis.

Other side effects

The most common question that worries women is: do birth control pills make you fat? But, besides weight gain, there are other unpleasant reactions to taking medications. Multiple studies have found that in most cases they are associated with high amounts of estrogen.

The most commonly observed side effects are:

• Swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands. Does not require special treatment, lasts up to six months. In case of severe adaptation to the drug, the doctor prescribes a breast gel.
• Bloody vaginal discharge is normal for the first 3 months. It is necessary to contact a gynecologist if bleeding occurs.
• Sudden mood swings, aggression, despondency, depression. To eliminate it, it is recommended to take a course of vitamin B6.
• Headaches for 4 months. If they become stronger over time, it is necessary to replace the OK.
• Nausea and vomiting. To reduce the severity of symptoms in the first 4 weeks, take the tablets in the evening after meals.
• Pain in the legs, in the veins.
• Decreased or increased libido.
• Stool disorder.

The progestins included in the composition are more easily tolerated by the body, so in some cases the doctor may prescribe mini-pills containing only one hormone. But side effects cannot be completely excluded. You can expect:

• Missing or longer periods.
• The appearance of an ovarian cyst. Neoplasms usually resolve after discontinuation of OCs.
• Thrush, difficult to treat.
• Increased oiliness of hair, skin, acne, acne. Within 3 months the body gets used to it and returns to normal.
• The skin's tendency to pigmentation increases. In this case, try to avoid sunbathing.
• Swelling of the legs.

The appearance of pronounced negative effects of Prim OK, which do not decrease over time, means that the drug is not suitable for you. It needs to be replaced with another.

Contraindications for use and side effects

A woman can lose weight from taking hormonal medications if she takes them correctly and has no contraindications to use. You should not take birth control pills in the following conditions:

• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
• smoking women over 35 years of age;
• with a tendency to thrombosis and increased blood clotting;
• for high-risk arterial hypertension, cardiovascular pathologies;
• women with allergies to any of the components.

When using birth control pills, side effects may occur that will require discontinuation or replacement of the drug. Their severity varies from person to person, but in the first 2 months they are a consequence of addiction to the drug. You need to pay attention to the following conditions:

The cosmetic effect is not a side effect of taking birth control pills; it is a direct effect of antiandrogenic types of progestins.

How to choose?

The severity of side effects directly depends on the correct selection of oral contraceptives. If the pills are prescribed correctly, you will not get better from them. But buying the product yourself is highly not recommended. After all, not only do you get better from an incorrectly chosen OC, but also other health problems arise.

Before prescribing a medicine, the doctor analyzes the results of such examinations:

• Examination by a gynecologist.
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
• Breast examination.
• Blood biochemistry.
• Smear for cytology.

In addition, the doctor takes into account the woman’s age, the characteristics of her figure, and whether she has had a previous pregnancy or abortion. This is the only way to choose a contraceptive that is right for you.

On the one hand, this may be true. If the potential harm from drugs were greater than the guaranteed benefits, doctors would not prescribe them to patients, and moreover, they would not be sold at all. In addition, taking care of us and their reputation, pharmaceutical manufacturers indicate absolutely ALL possible side effects, even if their probability tends to zero, which is why the list of these very actions is usually long and very scary. It can include anything from mild discomfort to internal organ dysfunction; So why frighten yourself once again and give drugs to refuse the necessary medicine?

But there is another side to this issue. The most serious side effects actually occur 1 time per million packs of the drug sold, but what is listed first can affect every 10th person. And this, among other things, is such a nuisance as being overweight.

What medications can contribute to the appearance of extra pounds? And what should those who need these medications do? Don’t refuse treatment for the sake of a slim figure! It is better to try to minimize the harmful effect.

Steroids

When they are appointed.

For allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis.

How they work.

Steroids mimic the action of hormones that normally regulate metabolism and the functioning of the immune system. These diseases, in turn, are associated with excessive or unmotivated immune reactions, so steroids are designed to suppress immunity and reduce inflammation.

Why do they make you fat?

Steroids can affect levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol. In a stressful situation, our body prepares to “fight or flee”, so it stores a large amount of energy, that is, fat, which mainly accumulates in the abdomen and neck. In addition, under the influence of steroids, more sugars enter the blood, and they are also processed and converted into fat.

On average, patients constantly on steroids gain about 7% above their body weight. Fortunately, doctors try to prescribe these drugs in minimal effective doses and for a very short period of time.

What to do.

Talk to the doctor who prescribed these medications. Perhaps the treatment regimen can be changed so that the course is reduced or the steroids are not taken daily. In the case of allergies, these drugs can be replaced with aspirin or ibuprofen, which also fight inflammation.

The mechanism of the effect of hormonal drugs on weight

All hormones in our body directly or indirectly affect metabolic processes. Slowing down or accelerating the latter is a guarantee of weight gain or loss. Even the natural cyclical change in the hormonal background of a healthy woman suggests a slight fluctuation in weight due to increased fluid accumulation in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. What can we say about the artificial interference in a well-functioning hormonal system that occurs when a woman uses oral contraceptives.

Hormonal contraceptives are drugs whose action is based on the properties of synthetic analogues of female hormones. By introducing these substances into the body at a time uncharacteristic for their appearance in the natural cycle, we cause disruption of natural processes aimed at successful conception - ovulation, preparation of the endometrium (inner layer of the uterus), etc.

Hormones have a decisive influence on metabolic processes, and, accordingly, on a woman’s weight

Despite the inevitability of metabolic changes, manufacturers and doctors are of the opinion that patients should not gain weight or gain weight from OCs. Their position is based on the following arguments:

1. The dosage of hormones in drugs today is reduced to a minimum, which is simply not able to affect weight.
2. The basic rule for the successful use of OCs is individual selection of the drug. The doctor evaluates many parameters at once, and it is possible that an unsuitable drug may be replaced after testing in practice. Ideally selected OCs do not affect the patient’s weight.

An unsuccessfully selected hormonal drug can have different effects on a woman’s weight. The same OCs will cause weight gain in one person, and weight loss in another.

But hormonal contraceptives can affect a woman’s weight, most often contributing to weight gain. There are several predisposing factors:

1. Analogues of the hormone progesterone, which are always contained in OCs, as well as this hormone itself in the second phase of the cycle and maintenance of pregnancy, contribute to increased appetite, decreased activity, accumulation and retention of excess fluid in tissues . If in a natural cycle the effect of progesterone extends only to the second half of the cycle, then when taking OK it extends to the whole.
2. Taking OCs can provoke an exacerbation of the imbalance of thyroid hormones - the main regulator of metabolic processes in the body; with an excess of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), a woman experiences weight loss, and with a deficiency (hypothyroidism), an increase.

Antiallergenic drugs

How they work.

Not all, but most contain the substance diphenhydramine, which blocks the brain receptors responsible for the production of histamine. In turn, this hormone causes everything that is called an allergic reaction - swelling, itching, runny nose, and so on.

Why do they make you fat?

Along with histamine, diphenhydramine “blocks” the production of other important hormones in the brain. For example, those that regulate our appetite, suppress the feeling of hunger and prevent us from overeating. And another side effect of this substance is lethargy and loss of strength; that is, we not only eat a lot, but also hardly move, which is why we get fat.

How fat can you get?

With long-term use - by 1-3% of the initial weight.

What to do.

Ask your doctor to change the medicine. Fortunately, the modern pharmaceutical market offers a wide selection of anti-allergy drugs that have a more delicate effect on hormones.

Medicines for hypertension (beta blockers)

When they are appointed.

In addition to high blood pressure, indications for use include excitability and heart rhythm disturbances.

How they work.

Beta blockers neutralize the irritating effects of adrenaline on the nervous system, which ultimately leads to a decrease in heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

Why do they make you fat?

As our heart rate slows down, our metabolism also slows down. The body spends fewer calories, and whatever remains is stored as fat.

How fat can you get?

Many hypertensive patients have to take these medications for several years. During this time, weight gain can range from 5 to 10 kilograms or more.

What to do.

Unfortunately, in some cases there is no substitute for beta blockers. But sometimes the doctor may prescribe another type of “heart” pills - AKF inhibitors, which also reduce blood pressure, but do not threaten excess weight.

Antidepressants

When they are appointed.

In a variety of cases, depending on what symptoms the depression provoked. Sometimes antidepressants are used to treat insomnia, hyperactivity, apathy, constant fatigue and intestinal disorders.

How they work.

Depending on the principle of action, antidepressants are divided into many different classes and groups, but they are based on the same effect of preserving monoamines. Simply put, these drugs prevent the breakdown or neutralization of the joy hormone serotonin, as well as other chemicals, without which depression occurs.

Why do they make you fat?

From the point of view of excess weight, tricyclic antidepressants pose the greatest danger. They dull the sensitivity of receptors that respond to signals of satiety and prevent us from overeating.

How fat can you get?

Such drugs are usually prescribed for a long term (from 3 months or more), and the longer you take them, the more extra pounds you can gain. A year or two on tricyclics can lead to an average of five - ten, and sometimes twenty kilograms, and antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can add 8-10% of your initial body weight.

What to do.

For some patients, SSRIs or tricyclics can be replaced with another type of drug, some of which do not increase, but on the contrary, reduce appetite. In addition, as studies have shown, the first kilograms usually begin to “build up” after six months of taking antidepressants, and after this period you may no longer need a high dose or you can take a break from treatment.

But! Under no circumstances should you give up medications completely. “Withdrawal syndrome” or, roughly speaking, drug withdrawal can lead to serious mental disorders.

Based on
the Daily Mail .

How to choose birth control pills

You cannot choose such a drug yourself, otherwise you can not only get better, but also seriously harm your health. Side effects from birth control pills can be very diverse: from decreased libido to increased hair growth. If you don’t want the use of oral contraception to affect your figure, and then you don’t have to lose weight to restore your usual shape, your doctor should select the pills.

The body of a young girl at 18 years old is different from the state of a woman at 35. Modern drugs differ in the amount of hormones in their composition and other components, so contraceptive pills, which do not make you fat at a particular age, are prescribed by a specialist. The main factors that the doctor takes into account include:

• age;
• height;
• condition of the mammary glands;
• degree of pubic hair;
• regularity of menstruation and cycle status;
• presence of chronic diseases.

Which contraceptives do not affect weight

New generation hormonal pills have a diverse effect on the body. Hormones are prescribed not only to protect against unplanned pregnancy, but also to treat cycle disorders and various diseases. This suggests that if contraceptives were suitable for your girlfriend or sister, they may be completely contraindicated for you. However, with the right choice, they do not have a negative effect, do not disrupt hormonal levels, but normalize it. Therefore, the question of whether birth control pills make you fat disappears in itself.

Young nulliparous girls are often prescribed medications that contain 21 pills containing small amounts of hormones. You need to drink them every day at the same time with a break of a week between blisters. Women over 35 are prescribed medications for 24 or 28 days. The effect after using the contraceptive occurs only after 10-14 times of use. If you choose and use the medicine correctly, you will be able to choose birth control pills that will not make you gain weight.

Names of birth control pills that do not affect weight

Birth control pills that promote weight loss are adequately selected oral contraceptives. Often, hormonal drugs do not have an effect on weight, which does not mean that they are not effective.

Progestin preparations or mini-pills contain only a progesterone analogue. Their use is recommended in the following cases:

• breastfeeding period;
• use by smoking women after 35 years of age;
• contraindications to taking COCs;
• contraception in the late reproductive period.

Mini-pills are represented by the following drugs:

Important! The effectiveness of contraception with progestogens is lower compared to COCs.

How do new generation birth control pills work?

The composition of the pills includes substances such as progestin and estrogen. The first is often called the male hormone, the second – purely female. When the amount of the latter in the girl’s body reaches its peak, ovulation occurs. Contraceptive pills of the new series of combined action allow you to:

• control the level of estrogen in the body, thereby preventing the occurrence of ovulation;
• make menstruation regular;
• prevent ectopic pregnancy;
• reduce the likelihood of developing diseases such as breast cancer;
• reduce rashes on the face;
• the mucus located in the cervix becomes denser, preventing sperm from penetrating the egg.

Low-dose drugs

Suitable for mature women who lead an active sex life, as well as girls for whom microdosing is not enough. The action is aimed at preventing pregnancy and bleeding between periods, controlling the menstrual cycle. The pills can be used for medicinal purposes. In addition, dragees have a cosmetic effect. In very rare cases, they can cause malaise, increase appetite, and disrupt metabolism. With the right selection, you will find those birth control pills that do not make you fat, but keep you healthy.

Microdosed birth control pills

They are considered the most harmless and safe drugs. They contain a minimal amount of hormones, which is suitable for young girls who are just starting to be sexually active. After taking such pills, you will not lose weight or gain weight, since they have practically no significant effect on the body. If you are worried that birth control pills will make you fat, then it is better to choose pills from this category.

Mini-pill

Progestin-based drugs are suitable for nursing mothers. During lactation, a woman can become pregnant, so it is necessary to protect herself during sexual intercourse. Mini-pills are contraceptive pills that do not make you fat at all; they do not affect the composition of milk and its formation in the body. They should not contain estrogens, because they are contraindicated during this period. It is necessary to drink the pills on an ongoing basis without a 7-day break, as with conventional hormonal contraceptives.

Is it possible to lose weight on birth control pills?

Birth control pills and weight have a relationship. If the patient takes a properly selected drug for a long time, she will not gain weight. However, a balanced diet and adequate exercise should also be considered.

Which birth control pills are best for weight loss?

Contraceptives for weight loss are usually represented by monophasic contraceptives. These drugs contain a level of synthetic hormones evenly distributed throughout the cycle. Weight loss is due to the absence of significant hormonal surges. The woman does not gain weight, the weight comes off gradually.

Names of monophasic contraceptives for weight loss with microhormone content:

Gynecologists believe that the following low-dose monophasic birth control pills work without weight gain:

• Belara;
• Diana-35;
• Bellune-35;
• Janine and Jeanetten;
• Lindinet-30;
• Silest;
• Silhouette;
• Rigevidon;
• Marvelon;
• Regulon;
• Microgynon;
• Yarina and Yarina Plus.

Contraceptive high-dose monophasic pills with weight loss effect:

Drugs with a high dose of hormones are often used for therapeutic purposes for various cycle disorders that lead to weight gain. That is why these drugs allow you not to gain weight.

How to lose weight while taking birth control pills

To avoid gaining weight while taking contraceptives, you should undergo a detailed examination before taking COCs. Using the wrong medications can worsen hormonal imbalances and lead to weight gain.

Contraceptives that promote weight loss must be taken for a long time. Several years ago, gynecologists believed that continuous use of COCs disrupted the functioning of the ovaries. Modern research has proven the safety of long-term use of drugs in this group.

Which hormonal birth control pills are better?

To understand which birth control pills do not make you fat in your case, you need to make an appointment with a doctor for a consultation. Some drugs can cause changes in metabolism, retain water in the body, and lead to various disorders. Popular and safe tablets, the dosage of hormones in which does not exceed 20 mcg, include:

• Claira;
• Novinet;
• Jess;
• Lindinet-20;
• Miniziston 20 fem;
• Logest;
• Mercilon.

Side effects from these drugs are minimal and easily tolerated by the body. They fight the appearance of rashes on the face and reduce pain during menstruation. If their dosage is not sufficient to eliminate bleeding between menstruation, then you can buy stronger products. They are harmless to health, so the question of whether hormonal pills make you fat will be unnecessary. These include the following:

• Yarina;
• Lindenet-30;
• Janine.

Do birth control pills make you fat?

COCs are a common and effective method of preventing unplanned conception.
Despite the existing disadvantages, hormonal agents have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system, reducing the likelihood of developing benign and malignant neoplasms. Some representatives use contraceptives to avoid gaining weight. Weight loss is one of the side effects of the drugs. Important! The main indication for the use of COCs is contraception. Contraceptives should not be taken solely to avoid gaining weight.

The selection of medications is carried out by a gynecologist, guided by anamnesis and examination data. Otherwise, your health may worsen due to unwanted effects. Properly selected contraceptives provide reliable protection and help not gain weight.

Oral contraceptives can be used for weight loss due to the following properties:

• normalization of hormonal levels due to the progestin contained in the preparations;
• improved functioning of internal organs due to endocrine changes.

Gradually, fats are converted into energy. Thus, the woman does not gain weight.

Which birth control pills can make you gain weight?

In order not to gain weight from COCs, you need to take into account their type. Birth control pills for weight gain are usually available in three-phase formulations. In these contraceptives, the combinations of artificial hormones change three times during the cycle.

Women sometimes gain weight from the following birth control pills:

High-dose drugs can promote intensive weight loss. However, they often gain weight when using three-phase COCs:

Important! To avoid gaining weight, medications should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription.