Combination birth control pills, also known as the pill, are oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and a progestin. Combination birth control pills keep your ovaries from releasing an egg. They also cause changes in the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus (endometrial) to keep sperm from joining the egg.

Different types of combination birth control pills contain different doses of estrogen and progestin. Continuous-dosing or extended-cycle pills allow you to reduce the number of periods you have each year. You can check with your health care provider about the correct dosage of birth control pill for you.

15 most common Side effect of birth control pill

Even though birth control pills are very safe, using the combination pill can slightly increase your risk of health problems. Complications are very rare but it does depend on individual body and their lifestyle. The specific side effects vary widely among individuals, and different pills cause different side effects. Some of the most common side effects of birth control pills are:

1.    Spotting between period

During the first few months of using birth control pills, you may have some minor bleeding between periods. This is called breakthrough bleeding or spotting which is one of the most common side effect of birth control pill. It’s more common if you’re taking progestin-only pills.  It typically stops on its own, but report it to your healthcare provider if it happens, along with any other side effects.

2.    Changes in period

When you start taking birth control pills, you can feel some of the changes in your period as a side effect like light periods or missed period. This is because of the hormones they contain. Depending on the type of birth control, people can use the pill to safely skip a period.

Click here if you are looking for natural methods of birth control to avoid possible side effects of pills

3.    Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is another very common side effect of birth control pill. You can feel increase or decrease in vaginal discharge or a change in the nature of the discharge. For some women pills can cause vaginal dryness also and all these changes can be because of hormone containing in pills.

These changes are not usually harmful, but alterations in color or odor could point to an infection. Check with your doctor if you feel like you are having an infection.

4.    Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of birth control pill. Birth control pills could lead to increases in fluid retention or water weight. They could also lead to increases in fat or muscle mass. However, some people may instead report weight loss when taking the pill. But there has not been enough research to confirm whether the hormones in birth control pills lead to weight gain or weight loss.

5.    Headache and Migraine

The hormone in birth control pill can cause you headache more frequently as a side effect. Birth control pill creates changes in hormone estrogen and progesterone which can trigger migraine in some women. However symptom depends on the dosage, type of pill and individual body.

6.    Breast tenderness

Taking birth control pills often causes the breasts to feel tender as a side effect, especially soon after a person starts taking them. Hormonal pills can also cause your breast to grow bigger. Wearing a supportive bra can help reduce breast tenderness.

4 stages of menstrual cycle, what is the normal cycle and what’s not

7.    Mood swings

Our hormones are responsible for changes related to mood. Hormonal pills are also a type of hormone which are given orally and can affect a person’s mood. These pill make changes in hormone which can affect a person’s mood and emotions.

8.    Melasma (Darkening of skin)

Some people can fell the darkening of skin due to these pills which is called melasma. Hormones are the primary cause of melasma – especially estrogen. Elevated levels of estrogen in the body increase pigment production, and hormonal birth control works by increasing the levels of estrogen in the body. That’s why melasma is commonly seen side effect with birth control pill.

9.    Low sex drive

These hormonal pills can affect your sex drive which is because of change in hormones due to the pill. Some people reported low sex drive and decreased libido while on birth control pill. It’s always a good idea to consult with your health care provider if you have any concern regarding this.

10.    Eye changes

The estrogen hormone in your birth control can cause eye inflammation. This can interfere with the eye’s oil-producing glands, resulting in dryness and blurred vision. Estrogen can also cause corneal thickening. This does not suggest a higher risk of eye disease, but it may mean that contact lenses no longer fit comfortably.

11.    Acne

Some forms of birth control pills can also cause or worsen acne, specially the pills which only contain progesterone. Even with the combination pills also you can notice an initial flare up as your body gets used to the new hormones.

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12.    Inflammations

Birth control pills can increase your risk of inflammation which can cause some health problems over time. Inflammations can also affect your body in the long run and can eventually lead to disease or conditions including certain cancers or arthritis. Increasing your cardiovascular health risk is also a side effect of birth control pills in long run. Always talk to your doctor who prescribes you these pills regarding all the side effects.

13.    Gallstones

Birth control pills in general could increase the risk of gallstones by increasing cholesterol levels in the bile and decreasing gallbladder movements. Some studies also found an increase in the development of gallbladder disease among women who were using oral contraceptives compared with those not taking these drugs. Both estrogen and progesterone have been shown to increase the risk of gallstones.

14.    Increased blood pressure

Birth control pills can increase your blood pressure from slightly to potentially dangerous. Birth control pill can also increase your risk of developing blood clot. Sometimes, if your blood pressure becomes too high while using the pill, you may need to switch to a new birth control method. If you feel any symptom of high blood pressure, it’s always better to consult with the doctor and check suitable option for you.

15.    Decreased testosterone

Mostly birth control pills contain the female hormone estrogen and progestin. They are often called combination pills. Many combined pills lower your testosterone. That’s the hormone that makes you want to have sex. Having less testosterone can decrease acne, but can also lower your libido. If you use non-hormonal contraception options, you won’t notice this effect.

Some of the serious side effects of birth control pill

Combination birth control pills increase the risk of certain conditions, which can be serious. Although these side effects are rare but there is always a possibility. They include:

• Liver disorder
• Heart-attacks
• Stroke
• Blood clot
• Severe headache
• Chest pain
• Blurred Vision or loss of vision
• Elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis
• Severe stomach pain

Birth control pills can lead to a higher risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in women who smoke, especially if older than 35 years of age. Birth control pills should NOT be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. The birth control pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Only a condom can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Who should not use birth control pills

It is always better to avoid birth control pill to avoid serious side effect if you have following conditions or check with your doctor about the best option for you.

• If you smoke or have heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions, you may not be an ideal candidate for birth control pills.
• Birth control pills can sometimes be slightly less effective for women with obesity.
• Known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina or certain hormonally-sensitive cancers.
• Pregnant or think you are pregnant.
• Blood clots
• Liver disease or tumor
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes affecting your circulation.
• Mental depression
• If you are over 35 and smoke

When to see a doctor

If you are taking birth control pills and having any of the following side effect, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

• Fainting
• Severe leg pain or swelling
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Chest pain
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty speaking
• Two or more missed period and symptoms of pregnancy.
• Severe headache or migraine
• Severe mood swings or depression
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure

The post 15 side effect of birth control pills that you should know appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Menstruation cycle is a natural part of women’s monthly cycle. The average menstruation cycle is 28 days, but can vary from woman to woman. The length of cycle can also vary month to month also. Some women face some irregularities in their cycle and there are some home remedies for irregular periods which are very effective sometime.

If you are getting your period between 24 to 35 days than its still considered as normal. Your period is considered irregular if they vary every month, come earlier or later.

There are so many treatments available to treat this, but you can give try to natural home remedies for irregular period as well. There is no harm in trying natural home remedies because they don’t harm your body and sometime can be very helpful.

13 home remedies for irregular period

Here are some of the more powerful home remedies for irregular period that you can try.

1.   Do regular exercise

Exercise have many health benefits for overall body health. It can help your period too as it can help you to maintain weight and if your period is irregular due to PCOS, it will help in that also.

Exercise can help control weight, which may, in turn, help to regulate your menstrual periods. This is one of the most beneficial way among all home remedies for irregular period. It may also reduce pain before and during your period.

2.   Try Yoga and meditation

Yoga has been shown to be an effective treatment for different menstrual issues. Yoga has also been shown to reduce menstrual pain and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation, such as depression and anxiety, and improve quality of life in women.

Stress is one of the primary causes of hormonal imbalance in the body that can triggers irregularities in menstruation. Meditation helps in relieving stress as a result it can ensure perfect hormonal balance in the body.

3.   Fill yourself with vitamins

Low level of vitamin-D can cause irregular period. It may help to regulate menstruation. D-vitamin has other health benefits also. Main source of getting vitamin D is sun so you should get enough sun exposer to fill yourself with vitamin-D.

B-vitamins are often prescribed to women who are trying to conceive, and they may help regulate your period. they may also lower the risk of premenstrual symptoms.

11 causes of irregular period and their treatment options

4.   Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits because this is a natural probiotic that helps in good digestion also. ACV provide benefits in regulating blood sugar levels, insulin level, glowing skin and weight loss. It helps in maintaining your monthly cycle. Drinking 15 ml daily dose of ACV can helps in irregular period. Dilute it with a glass of water and drink daily to see good results.

FAQs when trying to get pregnant with irregular periods

5.   Eat pineapple

Pineapple is a popular home remedy for period problem. It is loaded with an enzyme called bromelain, that can soften the lining of uterus and regulate your period. Although there is no proven study for this, but it is believed that eating papaya can help in regulating period and reliving some premenstrual symptoms.

6.   Eat papaya

Green, unripe papaya is considered useful in regulating menstrual flow. it helps contract muscle fibers in the uterus. By consuming unripe papaya juice regularly for a few months, you can see good results. But try not to have this during period.

7.   Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can help your hormones to regulate naturally. You can consume fresh aloe Vera juice. simply mix it with 1 tbsp. of honey and have it in the morning but don’t take it during your period.

8.   Basil leaves is a great remedy for irregular period

Basil leaves have many health benefits and can help you in many ways. It can help you to regulate your menstrual irregularities so you can have 2 to 3 basil leaves early in the morning with water. Try this remedy for few months regularly to see good results.

9.   Have ginger

Ginger is highly recommended for regulating menstrual cycles and getting rid of irregular periods. You can have ginger tea few times in a day for few months to regulate your period. It can help you in other menstrual problems also. It can decrease the amount of blood flow, it can reduce menstrual cramps, and can help with mood swings also.

10.   Cinnamon

Like ginger, cinnamon is also beneficial in many menstrual issues. It helps in regulating menstrual irregularities therefore It can be an effective treatment for women with PCOS. Cinnamon may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual bleeding and pain.

11.   Turmeric is very beneficial for irregular period

There are many health benefits of turmeric which is quite warming as well. It is helpful in regulating menstruation and balancing hormones. Turmeric has many antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties therefore it can helps in relieving menstrual pain. You can take pinch of turmeric in milk, honey or jaggery for several weeks till you see improvement.

12.   Take good sleep

Having good sleep is recommended for a healthy body. Sleep can disturb your menstrual cycle. If you are stressed and not taking enough sleep then this can imbalance your hormones and can cause menstrual irregularities. So try to avoid taking caffeine before or near to sleep time, that can disturb your sleep.

13.   Try acupuncture

Acupuncture involves placing very thin needles at different energy points across the body. Acupuncture can balance the flow of energy in the body as a result this can help to regulate periods and improve symptoms of PMS or painful menstruation.

When to contact your doctor for irregular period

Irregular period is not always a cause of concern. Most of the women face this issue at some point in their life and that is why you don’t need to see a doctor always.

But if you have any of the symptoms below, you should contact your doctor for further diagnosis.

• If you missed 3 or more period in a row
• you are getting period before 21 days, every month
• If your period less than once every 35 days
• You are having painful and heavy period
• If you are bleeding longer than a week
• If your period is suddenly getting irregular

The post 13 Home remedies for irregular periods and fertility appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

The changes and relative levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone throughout the menstrual cycle, including during the period itself, are also responsible for many of the changes women notice. Everybody’s body behaves differently; some people are more sensitive to the things than others.

8 Things you should not do in periods

Below I have listed some things you should not do during period.

1.     Don’t smoke and don’t drink alcohol

Alcohol is not good for overall health of the body. Alcohol has number of negative effects on body, which can increase the symptoms of period. It can even worsen headaches and cause bloating and can also cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. It can dehydrate your body.

11 causes of irregular periods (menstrual cycle) and their treatment options

As we all know how smoking is bad for us and health issues related to smoking. A research study shows that regular smokers have more painful menstrual cycle then a non-smoker.

2.     Limit coffee intake

Who don’t like their cup of coffee? But if you are on period you should temporarily skip that, because it can worsen menstrual cramps. It can also exacerbate headaches. But caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches too, so don’t cut your coffee completely if you’re used to having a few cups a day.

3. Spicy and oily food

Many people find that spicy food upset their stomachs, giving them diarrhea, stomach pain, and even nausea. If you’re not used to eating them, it might be best to avoid them during your period.

Same goes with oily food, that is also difficult to digest and can cause digestive issues, and can increase bloating while you are on period.

4.     Salty and sugary food

Salty snacks can actually make your period symptoms worse. It can contribute to the bloating/water retention that women feel around the time of their periods. Eating salty foods can also worsen cramps. To reduce bloating, don’t add much salt to your foods and avoid highly processed foods that contain a lots of sodium.

It you have a sweet tooth and like sugary food too much, than you should avoid it. It’s OK to have sugar in moderation, but eating too much of it can cause a spike in energy followed by a crash. If you are feeling more anxious and moodier during period, watch out your sugar intake.

FAQs on irregular periods and trying to get pregnant

5.     Avoid waxing

During this time your body is extra sensitive to pain. At this time your threshold of pain decreases, which make it worse possible time for anything painful. Avoid waxing, any type of laser hair removal or any type of painful procedure during this time.

6.     You should not do unprotected sex in periods

Many people think that you should not have sex while on period. But in-fact it’s not true, actually it’s good for you, just a little messy of course but sex while on period can adjust hormonal level and can reduce painful cramps. But it is always recommended to have protected sex. Blood can carry many risks of infection and other problems, as blood is a good carrier of virus and other bugs. So, it is always a good idea to have protected sex during menstrual cycle.

7.     Avoid douching

In general, douching is not a necessary practice and can disturb the normal microorganisms of the vagina, leading to infections. The fragranced solution can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, causing irritation and/or abnormal discharge.

8.     Lower down dairy consumption

Dairy is not a good option during period. It can cause more cramping and irritable bowels. It can make you gassier. Try to limit it during this time.

5 Things you should do while on periods

Below I have mention some of the things that you should do while on period to have smooth and less painful time.

1.     Exercise

You may have heard many times that you should have rest during this time. But it’s not true and not good as well, doing regular workout can help you feel better during this time and can reduce headache and anxiety.

But surely you should avoid heavy workout during this time. As long as you are active and including light workout, it will give you less headache and fatigue.

13 home remedies to regulate irregular periods

2.     Have a good sleep

Sleep is always important but it is more important during this time. You should take at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep daily. It will help in balance out your hormones. If you will not get enough sleep, this will increase stress hormone cortisol in your blood which can have an effect on the severity of your period symptoms.

3.     Keep yourself  hydrated

Drinking lots of water is always important. Drinking plenty of water can also stop you from retaining water and bloating and you should have at least 8 glasses or more water per day during this time specially. Staying hydrated can reduce your chances of getting dehydration headaches, a common symptom of menstruation cycle.

4.     Change your pads or tampons regularly

It’s important to always be hygienic in the vaginal region, even more so during your period. You should be changing your tampon/pad every 3 to 4 hours to avoid an unpleasant odor, bacterial buildup which can lead to infections. Besides changing tampons and napkins, wash the area frequently, change undergarment regularly and keep the area dry to prevent infection.

5.     Healthy food

Healthy food is a key to healthy body. You can include some of the following food in your diet during this time in order to reduce some period related symptom and feeling better.

• Diet rich in fruits
• Include leafy green vegetables
• A cup of green tea or ginger tea
• Include iron and protein rich food like chicken, tofu, quinoa and fish
• You can have dark chocolate as well
• Includes nuts and seeds in your diet
• Have some natural probiotics in your diet like yogurt
• Take omega-3 fatty acid in diet

Certain foods are great to eat during your period, while others can worsen your symptoms. The foods you choose to eat or avoid will largely depend on your specific symptoms.

Note

If you have any of the symptoms following, visit to your health care provider as soon as possible to rule out the cause.

• You’ve skipped periods, or your periods have stopped entirely.
• Your periods are irregular.
• You bleed for more than seven days.
• Your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
• You bleed between periods (heavier than spotting).
• Very painful periods and cramping

The post What should we not do in periods. Do and don’ts in periods. appeared first on YourHealthyMom.