Side Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives

Dec 15, 2010 Issue

Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education website.

Information from Your Family Doctor

Side Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives

Am Fam Physician. 2010 Dec 15;82(12):1509.

See related article on adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives

What are hormonal contraceptives?

Hormonal contraceptives are medicines or devices that can reduce your risk of getting pregnant. They contain hormones called estrogen (ESS-tro-jen) and progestin (pro-JEST-tin). Some contraceptives contain a combination of these hormones, and others contain only progestin. Some types of combination methods are contraceptive pills (also called birth-control pills or “the pill”), a patch that is worn on the skin, and a ring that is placed in the vagina. Progestin-only methods include pills, shots, implants that are placed under the skin, and intrauterine devices (also called IUDs).

What are the side effects?

Most women do not have serious side effects from hormonal contraceptives. If you do have side effects, they will probably go away on their own after a few months. You might have:

Weight gain
Headaches
Sore breasts
Irregular periods
Mood changes
Decreased sexual desire
Acne
Nausea

Some types of hormonal contraception are more likely to cause certain side effects than others.

What should I do if I have side effects?

If you have side effects that last more than three months, talk to your doctor about switching to another method.

How can I lower my chances of having side effects?

If you are taking the pill, be sure to take one every day. This lowers your risk of bleeding between periods. Progestin-only pills must be taken at the same time each day. The contraceptive patch and ring should be changed according to the schedule given by your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

AAFP's Patient Education Resource

Web site: https://familydoctor.org

Association of Reproductive Health Professionals

Web site: http://www.arhp.org/methodmatch/

Bridging the Gap Foundation

Web site: http://www.managingcontraception.com

Planned Parenthood

Web site: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control-4211.htm

Princeton University's Emergency Contraception Website

Web site: http://ec.princeton.edu/

This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other health-related information is available from the AAFP online at http://familydoctor.org.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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