Birth control is taken for multiple reasons such as stabilizing irregular periods, to help with PCOS symptoms, and used as a method of contraception. Whatever the reason(s) may be, birth control facts are important to consider before starting to take it! Here are some things to consider.
1) Hormonal Changes
Birth control levels off hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. This is what usually allows for a period to regulate when taken on a regular basis.
2) Mood Swings
The fluctuation of hormones are responsible for mood swings. Depending on the way you react with a certain brand, you may experience more crying spells, light bursts of anger, or an increase in anxiety or sadness. The good thing is that there are low dose estrogen pills to help with moodiness! Ask your doctor if you are interested.
3) Cravings
The pill tricks the body into thinking that it is pregnant, so naturally; cravings will increase as well.
4) Weight Gain
The pill can cause someone to gain weight. Weight gain due to the pill is thought to be a myth; however, many women report gaining weight. Perhaps, one gains weight due to an increase in cravings and not solely because of the pill? Gaining weight is not the be-all-end-all of the situation, though! It can be counteracted with healthy snacking and regular exercise.
5) PCOS Symptoms
Birth control is typically perscribed to individuals who are diagnoised with Polysyctic Ovary Syndrome to help reduce the symptoms.
6) Contraceptive Effectiveness
The pill is said to be 99% effective as a contraception method, but remember that it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
7) Time
It can take from 1 week to 2 months until it is effective.
8) Regular Periods
With birth control, you will know the exact date you will get your period and can control how often you can get your period. Your period will come every month and if you want to skip the month you can start a new pack instead of taking the sugar pills. There is also a seasonal package that is available because who wouldn’t want 4 periods a year as opposed to 12.
9) Post Pill Experiences
Once you stop the pill you may experience some light spotting, have another menstruation, and may or may not regulate on your own.
10) Price Point
Be sure to look around for the best price point as it can be pricy if it is not covered by health insurance (some pharmacies may provide it for free or a lower cost).
11) Libido
Sometimes the pill may be to blame for your low libido. In other cases, it may be the cause of a higher libido.
12) Reduce PMS Symptoms
A birth control pill can often be prescribed as part of an acne treatment, decrease painful cramps, and reduce other symptoms of PMS.
13) Blood Clotting
Though it is rare, you are more susceptible to getting blood clots from taking birth control.
14) Depression
There have been multiple reported cases where individuals began to feel heightened symptoms of depression upon taking birth control pills.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10932/14-things-i-wish-all-women-knew-about-the-pill.html