i would like to take birth control, but i do not want to gain weight, what should i do?

Question

my period is extremely irregular and my gynocologist suggest that i take birth control to help regulate it. which one should i use?

Answer 1

Your doctor will work with you on that.

I do NOT recommend depo, too many women have had complications as well as excessive weight gain on the depo shot.

I am currently on Kariva and have not had any weight gain issues at all.

Answer 2

I'm 26 years old. I have PCOS and Endometriosis. My periods were extremely irregular and painful. I did not want to go on the pill, but after my surgery he put me on low-dose Femcon FE. It was awful for me. I did it for 2 months, and then I switched to NuvaRing, and so far I love it. I haven't had any discomfort, and it's increased my sex drive. Hormones are iffy things, and different things work for different people. There are so many options out there. Usually the gyn. will give you samples, the first time you go on the pill is usually the worst because your hormones have never been regulated. They usually want you to stick it out for 3 months, but my gyn. let me switch after 2 months. NuvaRing hasn't made me gain weight, but Femcon did increase my appetite, that just depends. I just watch what I eat and exercise. If you want to go on the pill, just be patient, it's a process. You'll be okay! Lo-Estrin is supposed to be another good low-dose bc. My body is extremely sensitive, so I'm hoping I can keep using NuvaRing-it's so easy!

Answer 3

I recently read that studies have shown birth control pills do NOT generally cause weight gain and that it is a common misperception about them.
In 15 years I've been on several different types and never gained weight from them.
The Depo-provera shot, however, seems to almost always cause weight gain.

Answer 4

Birth control pills can alter your water metabolism. Both the estrogen and progestin in the pills can cause fluid retention, a temporary and usually cyclic effect that often begins in the first month as a result of an increase in sodium. The estrogen in the pill can cause weight gain due to increased breast, hip, or thigh tissue, usually after several months on the pill. This causes swollen ankles, breast tenderness, discomfort with contact lenses, or a weight gain of up to five pounds. Reducing your salt intake moderately can help control this type of water retention.

Some progestin-dominant pills can cause appetite increase and permanent weight gain. Pill-related depression may also lead to increased appetite and weight gain. There are hundreds of reasons why women gain weight that are not pill-related. Talk with your health care provider about the extra weight you've gained, and, together, you may be able to find the cause. If your weight gain is determined to be pill-related, your provider can change your prescription to minimize any weight gain.


Menstrual irregularities are common in young women. Your cycle can vary by several days each month and still be normal. Missing a period may be caused by many things. Stress, medication, travel , illness and of course pregnancy are all causes of amenorrhea (no periods). If you skip more than one month, you should see you health care provider.
it is good that you go on the birth control to regualte tour periods. after a while of the lining utuorus build up if the period are not regulare. and you have a hugher chance of getting cancer. the good things about getting on beirth control that could think of would be

1Reduces ovarian cysts,
2 ectopic pregnancies,
3 benign breast disease,
4endometriosis,
5 heavy bleeding,(so period dont last as long)
6 helps dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
7ovulation pain.
8Regulates menses and reduces premenstrual syndrome
9Skin problems like acne are improved.
10Reduces the number of abortions.
11Pre-menopausal women up to 50 years of age are protected from unwanted pregnancies,
12experience a reduction in menopausal symptoms and still maintain sexual activity.
13 The introduction of low dose oral contraceptives is also very suitable for older women.
14Reduces the incidence of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
15A relatively unknown fact is that pregnancy causes higher risks of thrombosis/DVT than the pill. However, if the risk of thrombosis or DVT runs in a woman's family, a 1st degree family history (mother or sister), then she should be screened prior to going on any form of oral contraception.
i hope i gave you enough information for you!

Answer 5

Not everyone gains weight. Just watch what you eat and get exercise. The benefits you will experience period wise are well worth it anyway and honestly, I didn't experience any weight gain because of the pill at all.

P.S. I love the nuva-ring!!! Everyone's body is different and reacts differently to different kind of hormones. You find what's works best for YOU not someone else!!! Ignore that person's comment down there!!!

Answer 6

Don't worry about it too much. If you are a healthy woman, more than likely you won't gain too much weight, especially if you remain healthy and exercise. Stick with a lo-dose birth control if you are really worried. However, I love the Nuva Ring and even get to skip periods (per the instruction of my doctor).

Answer 7

When you introduce hormones into your body, your body is bound to have some sort of reaction. Unfortunately, this reaction varies from woman to woman. I think your best bet would be to go with a lower dose of BC, thus lowering your risk of reactions/side effects. Granted, you'll still have them, but not as much as a higher dose BC. Talk to your doc about lower-dose options, as there are many different kinds of pills on the market.

Answer 8

Do not use the Nuva Ring, I did not gain weight, by had bad moos swings, panic attacks and loss of sex drive. And I did gain weight from the Depo shot, sorry I gave up after those two.

Answer 9

I never gained any weight while on BC. I used those low estrogen type. Just remember, don't smoke while you are on the pill.

Answer 10

try seasonel....you only get your period once a season (every three months) and it is really light. I haven't gained weight on it and my sex drive is still there