Getty Images 6 You’re Not Getting Menstrual Migraines As Much Anymore
If you have a predictable migraine associated with onset of period, taking hormonal birth control can allow you not to get the migraine in the first place, says Masterson. A drop in estrogen is to blame for these intense menstrual headaches , so a consistent level of estrogen can help you avoid them.
But the news isnt all good: Masterson warns that migraine with aura is associated with a higher risk of stroke, and is incompatible with hormonal birth control. We would take a careful history of a patient with migraines to make sure they are candidates, she says.
If You’re Under 16 Years Old
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist will not tell your parents as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given and your decisions.
Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you.
The only time that a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
You May Experience Breakouts
Estrogen can reduce the amount of sebum, which is a waxy, oily substance produced by your skin to help it stay moisturized.5 But excess sebum, which can return once you stop hormonal birth control, can also lead to acne if it blocks the openings of your pores.6 Thats why some brands of hormonal birth control are FDA-approved to treat acne. If you were on birth control to help treat acne or if your complexion suddenly became blemish-free while on birth control, theres a chance you may start breaking out again.
Read Also: Does Melatonin Help You Stay Asleep
Hormonal Birth Control Side Effects: How Does The Pill Work
Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation. No egg is produced, so there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize. Pregnancy cannot occur. You become pregnant when an egg released from your ovary is fertilized by a manâs sperm. Hormones in your body control ovulation, and prepare your body to accept the fertilized egg.
Hormonal contraceptives all contain a small amount of man-made estrogen and progestin hormones. These hormones work to inhibit your bodyâs natural cyclical hormones to prevent pregnancy. A combination of factors work to prevent pregnancy. The hormones stop you from ovulating and menstruating. Hormonal contraceptives also change your cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to go through your cervix. Hormonal contraceptives also prevent pregnancy by changing the lining of your womb so itâs unlikely the fertilized egg will be implanted.
Recommended Reading: Does Birth Control Balance Hormones
How Is The Shot Taken
The first thing you need to do is get a prescription. This can be provided by your doctor or a health care provider after an appointment with you to review your medical history. You might also need a medical exam, depending on your physician and your medical history. The health care provider will provide the injection and temporary bruising may occur on your arm.
The cost of the exam can range from $0-250 and each visit after the exam can cost $0-150, depending on your medical coverage.
If you take the shot late , you may need to purchase a pregnancy test.
Read Also: Does Estrogen Stop Facial Hair Growth Mtf
How Effective Is The Shot
When you use it correctly and consistently every 3 months, this method is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always use the birth control method as directed
- 6 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they dont consistently take the shot or if they take it late
If taken within the first seven days of your period, you are immediately safe from becoming pregnant. The same is true if taken within five days after an abortion, miscarriage, or within 3 weeks of giving birth.
Otherwise, as a precaution you should be using backup birth control, like a female condom or male condom, for the first week. Since the shot is not effective at protecting you from infections, use a condom if STIs are a concern.
Each birth control shot will protect you against pregnancy for a 12 week period. After every 12 weeks, it is important to go back to your health care provider to receive another shot. If you are two or more weeks late getting it, they will ask you to take a pregnancy test.
The Mechanisms Behind Hormonal Birth Control
The ovaries naturally produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are typically considered the female sex hormones because they appear in higher quantities in females.
When the body experiences higher than average amounts of estrogen and progesterone, it does not release an egg. Hormonal birth control uses this finding to prevent pregnancy. By increasing the amount of estrogen and progesterone in the body, the body does not release eggs which then means that there is nothing for sperm to fertilize.
Additionally, progesterone on its own can alter the cervical mucus, making it thick and sticky, which creates a barrier that is harder for sperm to pass on its way to the uterus.
Don’t Miss: How To Increase Thyroid Hormone
How Safe Are These Birth Control Methods
Hormonal contraceptives are not suitable for some women. The women who are at risk of strokes, cancer, headaches, liver disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure may have to avoid the use of hormonal contraceptives. These women can opt for non-hormonal methods for birth control.
Hormonal contraceptives are associated with severe side effects, including chest pain, stroke and heart attack, severe headache, blurry vision, and serious stomach ache, to name a few. Smoking while on hormonal contraceptives including Patch and Nuva ring can also lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clot.
The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives is based on how consistently you use a birth control method. However, no hormonal contraceptive protects you against STDs . You will need condoms to avoid the chance of getting STDs.
It Has A High Success Rate
When you use it correctly, hormonal birth control has a high efficacy rate .
The birth control pill is 99% effective when used according to instructions. If you sometimes forget to take a pill, its about 91% effective.
According to the , several other hormonal methods are also over 90% effective with typical use.
Recommended Reading: Non Hormonal Birth Control Phexxi
What Are Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are hormone-containing medications that are taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. They prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and also by preventing sperm from penetrating through the cervix.
By far the most commonly prescribed type of oral contraceptive in the United States contains synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This type of birth control pill is often called a combined oral contraceptive. Another type of oral contraceptive, sometimes called the mini pill, contains only progestin, which is a man-made version of progesterone.
Benefits And Side Effects Of Hormonal Birth Control
If youre considering going on the pill or another form of hormonal birth control, you may wonder how it works and whether it has any side effects. This article explores the benefits and side effects of hormonal birth control methods.
Recommended Reading: Best Supplements To Lower Cortisol
Are Birth Control Pills Safe To Take If You Are Breastfeeding
Use of birth control pills during lactation has been associated with decreased milk production, decreased infant weight gain, and decreased nitrogen and protein content of milk. The amount of estrogen consumed by an infant whose mother takes a standard dose of birth control pills is considered to be the same as from a lactating woman who is not taking birth control pills, and side effects have not been reported.
Using a progestin-only product is most often recommended during lactation if birth control pills are to be used during this period. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends delaying taking combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives until at least six weeks postpartum, while the World Health Organization recommends delaying the initiation of combined contraceptives until six months.
Is Birth Control Safe For Long
The short answer is yes, according to Dr. Yenbirth control in general should be safe for most people to use on a long-term basis, and some forms of birth control even have the possible benefits of lowering your risk of certain kinds of cancer. Its all a risk-benefit decision: How bad would it be for you to get pregnant? says Dr. Yen. Pregnancy has a high morbidity and mortality rate, can take away from your bone health and is taxing on the person who has to carry the pregnancy.
If theres an extended period of time in which you dont want to be pregnant, you should stay on birth control, says Dr. Yen. However, if you do experience severe forms of any of the above side effects or health risks such as blood clots or severe depression, you should bring this to your doctors immediate attention in order to switch forms of birth control or get off birth control altogether.
You May Like: How Can You Balance Your Hormones
Is It Ok To Take Other Drugs While Taking Birth Control Pills
Some drugs, including antibiotics and anti-seizure meds, can make birth control pills less effective. Some herbal supplements like St. Johnâs wort and some drugs used to treat HIV can also affect how well your pills work.
Tell your doctor about all medications, over-the-counter agents, herbs, and recreational drugs that you take. They can tell you about any possible effects on the pill.
Youre Experiencing Less Menstrual Migraine
Now, for a good side effect: hormonal birth control can lessen your menstrual migraine.
Menstrual migraines are often caused by low estrogen levels during this phase. Aside from migraines, you can also experience other problems such as dizziness, nausea, and light sensitivity. Adding some estrogen via birth control pills can lessen or even prevent menstrual migraines altogether.
Donât Miss: When To Start Hormone Replacement Therapy
You May Like: How To Lower Cortisol Levels
Four: Can Cause Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is when your adrenal glands get worn down from overproduction.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue may include:
- Inability to reduce stress levels
Taking the pill gives your body a daily dose of extra Estrogen.
This causes the cervixs mucus to thicken, preventing sperm from being able to get to an egg.
All this extra Estrogen causes your body to produce more Cortisol, to fight off the inflammation from the added hormones.
Because you are adding daily doses of Estrogen, your body is trying to suppress it with extra Cortisol, long-term wreaking havoc on your Adrenal glands.
How Soon Do Birth Control Pills Work
When taken as directed, birth control pills are usually effective the first month you begin taking them. To be safe, some doctors recommend the use of another form of birth control, such as condoms and foam, during the first month. After the first month, you can just rely on the pill for birth control.
Recommended Reading: Can I Take Melatonin Twice In One Night
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Oral contraceptives come in packets of 21, 28, or 91 tablets to take by mouth once a day, every day or almost every day of a regular cycle. To avoid nausea, take oral contraceptives with food or milk. Take your oral contraceptive at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take your oral contraceptive exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
Oral contraceptives come in many different brands. Different brands of oral contraceptives contain slightly different medications or doses, are taken in slightly different ways, and have different risks and benefits. Be sure that you know which brand of oral contraceptives you are using and exactly how you should use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient and read it carefully.
If you have a 21-tablet packet, take 1 tablet daily for 21 days and then none for 7 days. Then start a new packet.
If you have recently given birth, wait until 4 weeks after delivery to begin taking oral contraceptives. If you have had an abortion or miscarriage, talk to your doctor about when you should begin taking oral contraceptives.
Five: Can Cause Leaky Gut And Decreased Gut Health
Oral contraceptives have since the 60s been known to cause damage to the intestines.
Because the pill is something you swallow, and then passes through the digestive system, it exposes that tract to hormones that dont need to be there.
Side effects from hormonal birth control in the gut include:
Vaginal Yeast Infections,lowered metabolic function, lowered immunity, and even Crohns disease.
Read Also: Is Taking Melatonin Every Night Safe
Frequently Asked Questions Expand All
You can start using this method for the first time at any point during your menstrual cycle. But you and your obstetriciangynecologist or other health care professional should be reasonably sure you are not pregnant. Follow these directions:
If you start taking the pills within the first 5 days after the start of your menstrual period, no additional birth control method is needed.
If you start taking the pills more than 5 days after the start of your period, you need to use an additional birth control method or avoid sexual intercourse for the next 2 days.
If you are switching from another form of birth control, simply stop using the other method at the same time you start the progestin-only pills. If it has been more than 5 days since your period started, use an additional birth control method or avoid sex for the next 2 days.
If you are switching from an intrauterine device , you have a few options. You can wait until you have been taking the pills for at least 2 days to have the IUD removed. You can use another form of birth control or avoid sex for the 2 days before removing the IUD and starting the pills. Or you can use emergency contraception at the time of IUD removal.
Certain medications may interfere with the effectiveness of the progestin-only pill. These medications include
rifampin, a drug used to treat certain infections
some drugs used to prevent seizures
It stops ovulation.
What Birth Control Side Effects Should I Expect While Taking The Pill
The hormones in birth control pills may cause side effects in some people. But this doesnt happen to everyone many people use the pill with no problems.
After starting the pill, some people may have:
-
Changes in your periods
The good news is that these side effects usually go away in 2-3 months. So if you just started the pill and you have side effects that bother you, try to stick it out and give your body a chance to adjust to the hormones.
Birth control shouldnt make you feel sick or uncomfortable. If you still dont like the way the pill makes you feel after a few months, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may suggest another brand of pill or a different birth control method. Some people try a few different types of pills or birth control methods before finding the right one for them.
And remember: if you stop taking the pill and dont use another birth control method, youll be at risk for pregnancy right away.
The birth control pill has been around for decades, and millions of people have used it safely. Birth control pill side effects arent dangerous . You can always call a nurse or doctor, like the staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center, if you have any concerns while using the pill. And you can keep track of any potential side effects with our birth control app.
Read Also: Hormonal Vs Non Hormonal Iud
What Is A Birth Control Shot
This birth control method is commonly known by the brand name Depo-Provera . The hormone shot comes in the form of an injection. It prevents pregnancy for up to three months after injection.
There have also been some studies and research done behind a male birth control shot that has shown some process in recent months.
Managing Serious Effects Of Hormonal Birth Controls
The adverse effects of hormone-based birth control methods usually go away after a few weeks. Physicians need to make sure that their patients are aware that symptoms are most likely to resolve within 2-3 months.
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate is the long-acting injectable Hormone that can cause weight gain. Other hormonal contraceptives are not associated with increasing your weight unless you make certain lifestyle changes. Switching different birth control pills do not work for treating nausea, nor does the use of diuretics and multivitamins.
Abnormal bleeding is the most common side effects within the first months of taking combined oral birth control pills. Patients discontinue these contraceptives due to the disorders in the menstrual cycle. The low dose of combined birth control and Progestin-only pills are known to have a higher incidence of bleeding disorders.
The short term solution with Ethinyl estradiol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help in irregular bleeding and spots. If the bleeding continues for over three months, women will need to be evaluated for other medical causes.
In case progestin-only pills develop or worsen acne, women can switch to combination method. A review found out that NuvaRing users experienced less acne than females taking combined birth control pills.
Read Also: What Causes High Cortisol Levels In Females