Birth control pills can cause side effects that affect your appearance—such as weight gain—which can make you feel unattractive. Some women, however, report experiencing improved acne and healthier hair while on hormonal birth control.
Birth control pill side effects can be managed with lifestyle changes and are rarely a cause for the concern.
What effect do birth control pills have on your body?
- Thyroid function: Birth control pills disrupt thyroid function and can cause symptoms similar to hypothyroidism. Estrogen in birth control pills inhibit the conversion of thyroid hormones into their active form by increasing the amount of thyroid binding proteins available. Low levels of active thyroid hormones can cause symptoms such as decreased metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, and increased cholesterol.
- Skin and hair: Some of the potential benefits of hormonal birth control are for acne, hirsutism, or hair loss. However, potentially serious side effects may occur as well. Estrogen can suppress the ovaries from producing more androgens and increase the amount of protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This protein binds with circulating androgens in the blood and prevents them from entering the cells of skin and hair follicles. This can reduce oil production and cause hair to move into the resting phase too soon or for too long, which can cause hair loss. It can also cause increased oil production and cause the body to grow coarse, dark hair.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) system: Estrogen in birth control pills can change intestinal permeability and affect the barrier function of the gut. Exposure to exogenous hormones can disrupt the normal gut flora of the GI tract, which is responsible for metabolic functions, protecting against pathogens, and helping the immune system. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the gut lining, destroying its ability to absorb nutrients.
- Vitamins and minerals: Long-term use of birth control can result in the depletion of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C and vitamins B12, B6, and folate, along with minerals such as magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Lower levels of these vitamins and minerals can have a negative impact on mood, cognitive function, heart health, skin and hair, as well as cause fatigue and headaches.
What are different types of birth control?
- Hormonal birth control: Inhibits the ovaries from releasing eggs that can be fertilized and may include birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings.
- Implantable devices: Intrauterine contraceptive devices that can be placed inside the uterus and kept in place for several years.
- Physical or barrier contraception: Work by blocking sperm from reaching the eggs and may include condoms, contraceptive sponges, and cervical caps.
- Permanent contraception methods: Vasectomy for men and tubectomy in women are permanent birth control measures.
QUESTION
Which of the following are methods for contraception? See AnswerMedically Reviewed on 1/26/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Planned Parenthood. What are the disadvantages of the pill? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-the-pill
Cleveland Clinic. Birth Control: The Pill. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/3977-birth-control-the-pill
Planned Parenthood. What are the disadvantages of the pill? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-the-pill
Cleveland Clinic. Birth Control: The Pill. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/3977-birth-control-the-pill
Complete List
Top Do Birth Control Pills Make You Unattractive Related Articles
Barrier Methods of Birth Control Side Effects, Advantages, and Disadvantages
Many barrier methods of birth control are available for a man or woman, for example, the sponge, female and male condoms, diaphram, spermicides, male condoms, female condoms, contraceptive sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap. Side effects, and efficacy (in preventing pregnancy) depends on the type of birth control used.
Birth Control Options
Birth control is available in a variety of methods and types. The method of birth control varies from person to person, and their preferences to either become pregnant or not. Examples of barrier methods include barrier methods (sponge, spermicides, condoms), hormonal methods (pill, patch), surgical sterilization (tubal ligation, vasectomy), natural methods, and the morning-after pill. Side effects and risks of each birth control option should be reviewed before using any birth control method.
Choosing Your Birth Control Method
Which birth control option is right for you? Discover birth control methods such as birth control pills, birth control shot, implant, patch and more. Learn about birth control side effects and effectiveness.
Birth Control Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
What is the best form of birth control? Take this quiz to find out about hormonal, surgical, barrier, and natural methods!
Does Birth Control Affect Your Appearance?
The birth control pill or the “pill” is used to prevent an undesired pregnancy. Over years, the pill has been blamed to cause weight gain, sex drive, and even affect the skin in a bad way. Which part is true? Which part is a myth? Let’s find out.
Hormonal Methods of Birth Control
There are several different hormonal methods of birth control. The hormones can be estrogen and/or progesterone. The hormones can be taken by mouth, implanted into body tissue, absorbed from a patch on the skin, injected under the skin, or placed in the vagina. Common types of hormonal birth control include: "The Pill" (oral contraceptives), injection (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), the patch (Ortho-Evra), and the vaginal ring (Nuvaring).
IUD (Intrauterine Device for Birth Control)
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a birth control method designed for a woman. The IUD is a small "T" made of molded polyethylene plastic coated with barium so that, if need be, it can be seen on X-ray.
There are two types of IUDs 1) Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) including the ParaGard, Copper 7, and Mini-7; and 2) Intrauterine system (IUS) including Progestasert and Mirena.
Side effects of the IUD include spotting, infection, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Risks and complications of the IUD are miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased menstrual bleeding.
Can You Lose Weight While on the Birth Control Pill?
It is possible to lose weight while on the birth control pill, but every woman's body is different and reacts differently to hormones. Eating a sensible diet and adopting a regular workout regimen will help you maintain a healthy weight.
Natural Birth Control
Natural methods of contraception are considered "natural" because they are non-mechanical and non-hormonal. Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) are based upon knowing when a woman ovulates each month. Natural methods of birth control include: the calendar rhythm, basal body temperature, mucus inspection, symptothermal, use of an ovulation indicator testing kit, withdrawal, lactational infertility, douching and urination, and abstinence.
Sexual Health: The History of Birth Control
They put what where? From chastity belts to soda pop, women used some downright bizarre contraception through the ages. Check out this WebMD slideshow with the details.
Sexual Health: Other Reasons to Use Birth Control
Yes, birth control pills can help prevent pregnancy. They can also treat a variety of hormone-related issues, and they offer other health benefits. Find out more in this slideshow from WebMD.
Birth Control: Surgical Sterilization
Surgical sterilization is considered a permanent method of contraception. In certain cases, sterilization can be reversed, but this is not guaranteed. For this reason, sterilization is meant for men and women who do not intend to have children in the future. Types of surgical sterilization include: vasectomy, tubal ligation, STOP (selective tubal occlusion procedure), and hysterectomy.
What Are The Side Effects of Birth Control?
Used correctly, birth control can be both safe and effective. But depending on which method you use, there could be some side effects. Learn about the more common ones.
Which Birth Control Has Least Side Effects?
No form of birth control is free of side effects, but there are some that have the least noticeable ones.Which Birth Control Is the Best for Acne and Weight Loss?
Birth control or contraceptive methods include several medications, devices, or tricks for preventing pregnancy. Birth control methods vary in their mode of action, effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, and the presence of any beneficial or undesirable effects.