I am 25. Did I gain weight after taking birth control pills?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female and was taking the contraceptive pill Microlite for about six months, and then switched to Yasminelle for about three months. As a result of taking the pills, I have noticed a huge change in my body. I have gained weight, particularly around my knees and thighs, and stomach, which I am unable to lose. I have also noticed the veins in my legs appear much bigger and closer to my skin, and I feel some pressure at the bottom of my legs. I stopped taking Yasminelle about two months ago, and there is still absolutely no improvement in these symptoms.

What should I do? Is this normal?
Will I lose the weight, and will my symptoms go?
How long will it take?

I am extremely worried.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is better to have a concern about newly appeared symptoms and better to search solution as well. Contraceptives are hormones and give side effects short and long term. That is why it is better to discuss one's personal health history and contraceptive suitability with your treating Gynecologist and will be able to avoid the side effects. Although you need one physician consultation as well, you also need to discuss your medical history in detail.

Combined oral contraceptive can give you or increases risk of venous thromboembolism. Weight gain could be the result of progesterone intake as well but if body tends to become fat also, there it complicates drugs or hormonal side effects as well as attract complications. Normal BMI and weight help to have better life quality. Try to have daily exercise, walk, and yoga. Have a healthy diet, less salt, sugar, oil, and spice. Take plenty of water daily. Better to lose weight, it will reduce the risk of multiple health issues like polycystic ovaries, irregular periods, clot formation, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Have receational activities and quit recreational drugs like cocaine, tobacco, etc., if you have been using.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Hormones affect body but differ in each human as per one's individual reaction. Have a strict diet. You can do it. Avoid oil, sugar, salt, and try to have normal BMI (body mass index). You can do swimming, yoga, and take help of a dietician. Quit fast food, only have home cooked food with less spice, salt, sugar, etc. Have lots of fruits, vegetables, and water. You can join a fitness center to have regularity in the schedule. It is possible. You need persistence.