Birth control pills contain hormones that change your body's natural hormone levels and prevent ovulation. This significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. The majority of birth control pills contain estrogen, progestin, or a combination of both. Hormones such as estrogen and progestin regulate bodily functions. An increase in either can have a noticeable effect on a woman's body.
Hormone fluctuations may cause some side effects early on. As your body adjusts to the increased hormonal intake, the side effects tend to fade. Most women experience minor side effects from birth control pills, which subside after two to three months. Because every woman is different, the effects of birth control on the body differ from person to person.
Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin are known as combination birth control pills. The most common type of oral birth control is a combination pill. The majority of women have few or no noticeable side effects while taking them.
Combination pills contain estrogen, which increases the risk of blood clots in some women. Women who smoke, especially those over the age of 35, are advised not to use any estrogen-containing birth control method.
The following are the most common side effects of combination birth control:
Nausea
Headaches
Mood swings
Breast sensitivity
Periodic changes,including pauses and heavier periods
Irregular menstrual bleeding and spotting
Reduced sexual drive
Non-odorous vaginal discharge
Weight gain
