What are the side effects of contraceptive pills?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, the side effects of birth control pills include menstrual irregularities, nausea and vomiting, weight gain, poor skin condition, mood swings, and others. If choosing to use birth control pills for contraception, it is important to strictly follow the instructions provided in the package insert or as advised by a physician, taking the medication regularly without missing doses or altering the dosage arbitrarily. This helps reduce the risk of side effects and the possibility of contraceptive failure caused by improper medication use.
Generally, common contraceptive pills include compound norethisterone tablets, ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets, mifepristone tablets, etc. Their side effects include menstrual disorders, nausea and vomiting, weight gain, pigmentation or acne, mood swings, and others. If you need to use these medications, it is recommended to follow medical instructions. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Menstrual Disorders
The hormonal components in contraceptive pills may interfere with a woman's endocrine system, making the menstrual cycle irregular, causing earlier or delayed menstruation. Menstrual flow may also be affected; some women may experience reduced menstrual flow, even amenorrhea, while others may have increased menstrual flow or prolonged periods.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
The medication may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and affect normal digestive function. After taking oral contraceptives, women may experience gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are usually more noticeable within a few hours after taking the medication, and their severity varies among individuals, potentially affecting appetite and daily food intake.
3. Weight Gain
The hormones in contraceptive pills may cause water and sodium retention, leading to excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues, resulting in weight gain. At the same time, hormones may also affect fat metabolism, making fat more likely to accumulate in the body, which may gradually become apparent within a few months of taking the medication.
4. Pigmentation or Acne
The hormones in contraceptive pills may stimulate melanocytes to secrete melanin, causing skin pigmentation and the formation of dark spots. They may also affect sebaceous gland secretion, leading to excessive oil production and poor drainage, resulting in acne and rough skin.
5. Mood Swings
The hormones in contraceptive pills may interfere with the balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, affecting brain nerve regulation functions, thereby causing mood swings such as irritability, anxiety, and depression.
If choosing to take contraceptive pills for birth control, strictly follow the instructions in the product insert or the doctor's advice to take the medication regularly. Do not arbitrarily miss doses or change the dosage to reduce the risk of side effects and the possibility of contraceptive failure caused by improper medication use.
