Is it normal, or a problem?

Question

So, I have been on the pill for 5 months. Even though I've been eating exactly the same things in the same quantities I always have, I've been gaining 5 pounds a month. Exercise hasn't affected the weight, and I can't seem to lose any -- I just keep gaining and gaining. I'm going to go off the pill to see if it was to blame, but I have a greater concern about maybe having a metabolic disorder. Is there one that would make you gain weight very rapidly and have trouble losing it?

Answer 1

Depending on the dosage, some women experience side effects including weight gain, migraine headaches, and increased blood sugar levels. Remember, oral contraceptions affect hormone levels in order to fool the body into believing its pregnant. So, if this is your first time on the pill, some side effects should be expected. Before you make any decisions to come off the pill, call your gynocologist and make an appointment. Have him/her do a full check-up and reevaluate your dosage and/or other birth control alternatives. Before your visit, write down any additional side effects that you notice. It's important that you eliminate medical causes for your weight gain.

In the meantime, you're going to need a little patience with your body. Since the pill affects hormonal changes, you are going to have to wait for your system to "reset" itself. While waiting for this to happen, you are also going to need to boost your metabolism by increasing your activity level and changing your diet. Watch your sugar and carbohydrate intake since your glucose levels may have been raised by the pill. It can only benefit you to take your regimen to the next level. Good luck!

Answer 2

When i tell people that i've gained 70 lbs in 6 months they are shocked. But i did I was about 215 lbs. I am now down to 160 lbs. I love my weight now. I may be smaller cause my size 9 pants are a lil lose. Anyway enough about me. Speaking from experience of course i would recommend you getting off the pill. Ps. I lost the weight by completley taking soda out of my diet, No potato chips at all, no sweets only a lil piece of chocolate to stop the craving if i had a craving for sweets . I cut back on the red meat and added more fish, vegetables, especially cabbage. Geta juicer and running/jogging and jumping rope is the best excercise you can do to lose weight. If you haven't done been running, jogging, bike riding, or jumped rope for at least 20 minutes then try it before you get off the pill. Even if you have to start off with 5 minutes a day then work your way up to 20 minutes a day.
Good Luck

Answer 3

The pill is known for making women gain weight. I've been on the depo shot for about a year, and I gained about 10 pounds, but then I started exercising a lot more and drinking more water, and no soda at all, and I lost about 20 pounds, so it all worked out in the end. But, I wouldn't worry too much, everytime before I go on the shot, they give me a little book of facts (like I still need it after a year) and it always says you're likely to gain weight. It said some women will gain 25 pounds in their first year of being on the pill.

Answer 4

BCP are definitely linked to weight gain, your Doctor could tell you what other pills are available, with weight gain not a big side effect, I have found that the six month shot, has helped.
Usually once your off the pill for a couple of weeks and your hormone balance is back to what it was you should have no problem losing the weight with a simple exercise program

Answer 5

Some females report gaining weight when they start taking the pill, but it is never with that large of a jump in weight. You should talk to your doctor before you discontinue your use of the pill and let your doctor know what has been going on. You might have a thyroid issue that needs to be looked into. You may want to also try eating mostly healthy foods as your body is going through some changes with the addition of the pill so try to stick to some leafy greens and lean proteins. Your food is usually to blame for rapid weight gain. But definately talk to your doctor first.

Answer 6

The pill does make you gain a little weight, but usually only about 5 lbs total. Have you taken the pill regularly?? if you've missed any and not used condoms, then you could be pregnant. Or you could have been when you started the pill and not known it. That's the only reason I can think of for the continuous weight gain. Even if you're having your period regularly, you could still be pregnant, its not uncommon, specially if your on the pill. You should ask your doctor about it.

Answer 7

This problem is so commom with people who choose to go on the pill -- while I have not tried it personally I have worried about this consequence when I do. If weight is a major concern for you, I would talk to your doctor and ask to go off the pill. Instead, ask if you can get an IUD -- a device that is implemented inside you (pain free) and you won't have the weight gain side effects or have to woory about taking a pill everyday. I hope this helps.

Answer 8

I don't know but, if you have concerns about weight or the pill, then you should go to your doctor. Some medications, the side effects are weight gain but, you don't want to go off the pill and get pregnant either so, go to the doctor.

Answer 9

When I went on the pill, my doctor said women gain weight, but not if you don't put the food in your mouth. So it takes a good deal of self-control.

Something I found (and I'm not saying this is your case...just that it was my experience) was that I THOUGHT my eating habits weren't changing, but in reality I wasn't being completely aware of them. I suggest that you write down what you eat. Keep a journal and calculate your points using Weight Watchers (I've lost 30 pounds with them and still going). You might find your perception is off.

Good luck! I'm sorry you're having trouble with it.

Answer 10

Theres a new great thing that has recently been approved by the FDA its a birth control that your doctor can inject under your skin that FULLY prevents 100% birth control and it lasts for 3 years. This means no remembering the pill and no taking chances and being that 1% that could get pregnant with the pill. See a doctor for your concerns its odd that your just gaining and gaining the pill shouldnt really cause that unless your having side affects.