My roommate started a new birth control and she feels like it is making her gain weight - something that is not uncommon.

However, does anyone find it impossible to lose weight gained while on the pill? Does the pill affect your health in other fitness related ways?

The pill contains high levels of synthetic estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen promotes the storage of fat. It also causes fluid retention. Fluid retention is probably the primary cause of the weight gain. Once off of the pill, fluid retention will return to a normal level.

There seems to be little to no evidence, however, that it increases appetite or causes a lot of weight gain.


As for the health aspect, yes it does affect you. The pill works as an androgen inhibitor. It inhibits the production of androgens (testosterone) to prevent ovulation. This does have an affect on stuff like muscle gain. It makes it more difficult. However, for some women this is a positive. For those with serious acne, the pill may be an option because high levels of testosterone can make acne worse.

High estrogen pills also carry increased risks of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. If one has a history of blood clots in their family, a low estrogen pill is an option, but it still carries risks.

Hormonal birth control could also be linked to increased risk of breast cancer. However, this is highly controversial, and there is little evidence that it seriously increases the risk.

I started taking LoEstrin24 a few months ago. I was worried about wt gain, but have had no problems, in fact, I've lost wt - BUT I've been sticking to my program.

I've been on the pill before and have found it harder to lose wt than when not on the pill. The low hormone one I'm one now doesn't seem to make it as hard - although, I'm sure it would be more of a problem were I not working out and eating right.

After our third child i got fixed, and my ability to maintain my weight has been HELL! pure hell i tell ya.

but! my cardio routines late at night have really improved. sometimes i even notice the difference during the day.

I only wish i could control my insatiable desire for brownies and cream cheese!


ahjhahahahahahahahahaha

i am woooo fun12!!!!


kahjajjajajkakaa


FF

Good information people -- thanks! Fitness is an uphill battle no matter what I guess!

My wife had trouble losing weight on the pill, after our kids were born I got fixed and she went off them and she's smaller than she was in high school (also did wonders for her sex drive, which made the surgery worth it to me).

I think there's something to it.

I noticed recently that I wasn't loosing any weight either, and I was on Loestrine 24 - it also made my chest very "full" like when you PMS, but constantly. A week after I got off it - I dropped 5lbs! Everyones diffrent to how they react- some loose, some gain, some don't have any issues. And I totally confirm what Gooch said - same here!

hahaha
just cuz you stay at home doesn't mean you can chime in on the lady's convo here!!!

hehehehe

why do I like this thread so much??? oh goodness....

One more week and my lady will be home at night again!!

sawee for intruding....

for the Gooch, he is just confused! bwahahahahaha

I'm not quite sure how to respond to that

Gooch, I agree about the sex drive. LoEstrin isn't affecting mine near as much as some others did.

One time I was on OrthoTricyclen and quit taking it - there was such an improvement that dh said he would rather wear condoms than have me on the pil, b/c it totally was killing my drive. Sorry if tmi, but I think that shows just how much difference the pill can make in sex drive.

Is LoEstrin the one that has had dubious press? I have heard of a few reasonably new ones that arent working to well lol.

My partner had to stop taking the pill because it was making her sick shes alergic to EVERYTHING! anyway as a result of her stopping the pill I have now got this little fella

http://training.fitness.com/attachme...by-big-boy.jpg

Best reason to stop taking the pill. Go make some babies people hopefully you wont regret it I certainly dont and besides we need to fuel MREIKs post workout nutrition.

3 a day!!!