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Birth control is an essential aspect of family planning and women’s health. Many individuals, particularly women, are concerned about the potential side effects of using birth control methods. One of the most common concerns is whether or not a particular birth control method will cause weight gain.
This is a valid concern, as weight gain can lead to various health issues and may affect a person’s overall well-being.
The link between birth control and weight gain has been a topic of debate for decades. Some studies suggest that there may indeed be a connection, while others argue that the evidence is inconclusive.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the best birth control to avoid weight gain, debunking the myth that all birth control methods lead to weight gain, and offering tips for maintaining a healthy weight while using birth control.
The best birth control to avoid weight gain depends on how well you metabolize hormones, both your own and those in contraception. For this reason, we decided on three comprehensive telehealth providers.
Hers stocks a brilliant range of contraceptive pills, including the best birth control for weight loss.
Hers stocks some of the best birth control to avoid weight gain, which contains norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (EE/NGM), and ethinyl estradiol with desogestrel (EE/DSG).
Ethinyl estradiol has anti-testosterone effects, which may reduce the impact of excess testosterone on your insulin-signaling pathways. Additionally, norgestimate and desogestrel don’t stimulate testosterone receptors as much as older forms of progesterone [1].
This makes them the best birth control for PCOS, a condition that features weight gain. Here, high testosterone raises insulin resistance and increases levels of the hormone. Insulin promotes the accumulation of body fat, making weight loss difficult [2]. As they also reduce skin oiliness, EE/NGM and EE/DSG pills are the best birth control for acne, too [1].
Medzino provides a number of progestin-only minipills and low-dose estrogen pills, which may be the best birth control for weight loss.
Medzino can grant you access to the best birth control pill for weight loss if you’re bothered by contraception with higher doses of estrogen. While modern pills don’t contain enough estrogen to increase fat mass, they can still cause fluid retention [3].
Today, women taking the contraceptive pill do not gain more weight than women using other methods. There is still a chance that they can reduce muscle mass, but it’s likely that women experiencing side effects from contraception skip workouts. This is why it’s important to find a pill with little to no side effects [4].
Nurx is another high-quality telehealth provider of the best birth control to avoid weight gain, with many brands having the least side effects.
We recommend Nurx for women experiencing unpleasant side effects from their current contraception. Additionally, the best birth control for teens, due to high fertility, is that with few or no adverse effects.
Nurx offers pills safe for continuous use. By preventing menstruation, which can cause debilitating pain and fatigue, you could stick to your exercise routine all month long. If you are extremely sensitive to estrogen, Nurx’s minipills may be the right contraception for you.
Whether you experience fluid retention from your current pill, your period, or PMS, Nurx has the relief you need. The best birth control pill for weight loss in your case may feature drospirenone as the progestin, which is a diuretic [4].
The short answer is no, not all birth control options cause weight gain. However, some methods may be more likely to cause weight gain than others. Whether it affects you depends on how well you metabolize estrogen, and how much estrogen is in your contraception.
Modern contraceptive pills do not contain enough estrogen to cause weight gain from fat unless you are very sensitive. If you stop exercising due to side effects or overeat in anticipation that weight gain will happen regardless, even the best birth control pill for weight loss will have no benefit in this area.
Before delving into the best birth control for weight loss journeys, it’s essential to understand the factors that may affect weight gain while using birth control. These factors include:
Understanding these factors can help you make informed choices about the best birth control method for your individual needs and preferences.
If you can’t find the best birth control pill for weight loss, there are several other options available that can help you meet your weight loss goals unhindered. These methods include:
Can birth control make you lose weight? If you have PCOS, you may find that an EE/NGM or EE/DSG pill breaks the cycle of high testosterone and high insulin, allowing you to make progress on your weight loss journey. If side effects are preventing you from working out, the best birth control pill for weight loss may be a low-dose or a minipill.
For those looking for the best birth control pill for weight loss, more potent isn’t better. Birth control pills that contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, particularly those with lower doses of estrogen, may be less likely to cause weight gain as fluid retention.
However, individual responses to different birth control pills can vary, so it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your needs.
As mentioned earlier, non-hormonal birth control options, such as IUDs, barrier methods, sterilization, and natural methods, are not associated with weight gain. These methods can be an excellent choice for individuals who have trouble finding the best birth control for weight loss journeys.
Once your prescription is delivered, healthy lifestyle choices are necessary to see the benefits of the best birth control pill for weight loss:
If you’re looking for the best birth control to avoid weight gain, you may have further questions.
Some individuals may experience weight gain while using the birth control patch, but this side effect is generally rare. The patch contains hormones similar to those found in birth control pills, so the risk of weight gain may be similar to that of certain birth control pills.
Emergency contraception, such as the morning-after pill, is not intended for regular use and is unlikely to cause significant weight gain. However, some individuals may experience temporary bloating or water retention after taking emergency contraception.
Some individuals may lose weight after stopping hormonal birth control, while others may not notice any significant changes in their weight. Weight loss after stopping hormonal birth control may be due to a decrease in water retention or other hormonal changes.
In conclusion, not all birth control options cause weight gain. The best birth control pill for weight loss may be found on Hers, Medzino, or Nurx, thanks to their wide range of choices.
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider when choosing a birth control method, as they can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and individual needs. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help you manage your weight while using birth control.
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