Fighting Fatigue: Managing Tiredness and Low Energy on Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal contraceptives provide convenient and effective protection against pregnancy. But along with other side effects like nausea or mood changes, many women report struggling with fatigue after starting birth control. Let's explore why the pill, shot, implant or other methods may drain energy levels and discuss lifestyle remedies to combat tiredness.
Why Birth Control Causes Fatigue
Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, patch, ring, shot and implant work by supplying synthetic estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to block sperm. But altering hormone levels can also influence energy production.
Progestin's Sedating Effects
Many contraceptives use a lab-made progestin called drospirenone. This hormone carries side effects like fatigue, dizziness and low blood pressure due its mild diuretic properties.
Other progestins also appear sedating for some women. The influx of these synthetic hormones may disrupt the body's natural adrenal rhythm.
Estrogen Drop
Normal menstrual cycles see estrogen rise and fall 2 weeks before bleeding. Birth control keeps estrogen relatively steady. However, the stabilize hormones may register as low for the body. Some women adapt to this drop, contributing to fatigue.
Blood Sugar Changes
The estrogen in birth control can lower blood sugar and insulin levels. When blood sugar crashes, women may feel sluggish, lightheaded or irritable. Stabilizing sugars with whole grains prevents energy crashes.
Nutrient Depletion
Some research observes hormonal contraceptives may raise nutrient requirements. But increased needs for magnesium, zinc, folic acid and vitamins B2, B6 and B12 often go unmet. Deficiency in these key compounds tires the body.
When Fatigue Starts and How Long It Lasts
Most women notice birth control related fatigue kicking in within the first three months. The body tends to adjust to hormone method side effects over time. However, fatigue can come and go depending on lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and stress levels while using contraception long-term.
Initially Adjusting
As estrogen and progestin flood the system, most women report low energy and sleepiness those first couple months. Allowing extra rest helps adjust to the hormones during the initial adaptation window.
Occasional Fatigue
After pushing through early adjustment exhaustion, side effects seem to fade. But stress, sleep deprivation or forgetting pills can trigger fatigue episodes. Understanding your body helps manage flare-ups.
Changing Methods
Switching between the pill, shot, ring, patch or implant means renewed adjustment. Even transitioning between pill formulations with varying progestins restarts the exhaustion. Be extra gentle with yourself while finding the right fit.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Improve Energy on Birth Control
Tweaking nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress handling counteracts birth control fatigue. Empower yourself and create an action plan for combating low energy.
Eat Regular, Balanced Meals
Stabilizing blood sugar is key to steady energy on birth control. Emphasize whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats at meals with fruit or veggies. Grazing on small snacks every 3-4 hours prevents crashes. Stay hydrated with water and mineral rich drinks rather than sugary caffeinated beverages for sustained energy.
Exercise Strategically
While working out provides an energy boost, getting started often proves difficult when tired. Make movement enjoyable with refreshing outdoor walks or pre-workout caffeine. Light activity energizes while you rebuild fitness resilience. Balance strengthening and cardio exercise without overexertion.
Improve Sleep Habits
Aim for 7 to 9 hours nightly rest since quality sleep makes hormone adjustment easier. Maintain an evening routine that prohibits late night electronics and caffeine after dinner. Destress through yoga, meditation or leisure hobbies before bed for optimal sleep.
Learn Stress Coping Tactics
Anxiety and worry drains anyone's batteries. Combat stress through time management strategies, social support and self-care activities like baths, massages or counseling. Set aside downtime for genuine laughter and joy when you can.
Talk to Your Doctor
If lifestyle tweaks don't lift fatigue after 3 months, consult your healthcare provider about switch contraception methods. Detail your experiences and ask about alternatives with less sedation like the copper IUD.
Best Birth Control Options for Battling Fatigue
Choosing the right hormonal birth control minimizes exhaustion side effects. Consider ditching progestins most linked to tiredness. Talk to doctors about the optimal choice for your body.
Progestin-Only Pill
The mini-pill contains no estrogen, only progestin. This light hormone load potentially causes fewer energy dips. However, progestin alone may worsen existing mood issues like depression.
Copper IUD
This non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) offers set and forget birth control without synthetic hormones. Heavier bleeding is its main downside. But the copper IUD avoids progestin and estrogen triggered fatigue.
Patch and Ring
These methods bypass digestions, delivering estrogen and progestin directly via skin absorption. The steady hormone flow may make side effects more tolerable. However, the adhesive patch can irritate skin.
Lowest Estrogen Pill
Request an ultra low dose oral contraceptive with 10-15 micrograms estrogen if the basic pill saps energy. Also inquire about progestins like norgestimate or norethindrone that may cause fewer sedating effects.
Fertility Awareness
Natural cycles fertility tracking allows hormone-free birth control for women with extreme fatigue issues on contraceptives. However, meticulous routine is essential for best effects.
When to Call the Doctor About Birth Control Related Fatigue
Occasional tiredness while adjusting to new birth control often resolves given patience and self-care. However, consult professionals if exhaustion is unrelenting or accompanied by other issues.
Extreme, Chronic Fatigue
Can't get out of bed more days than not after 6 months? Have heavy limbs regularly or need daytime naps? Unrelenting exhaustion warrants medical insight for other root causes besides birth control.
Depression That
FAQs
Why does birth control cause fatigue?
Birth control fatigue happens due to progestin's sedating effects, drops in estrogen levels, blood sugar changes, and potential nutrient depletion caused by synthetic hormones. It takes time to adjust to this new hormonal state.
How long does birth control fatigue last?
Most women feel extremely tired when first starting hormonal birth control. Fatigue typically improves after 2-3 months once the body adapts. However, occasional fatigue may return with stress or changes in pill regimen.
What can I do to help fatigue on birth control?
Follow an energizing lifestyle. Eat regular balanced meals, exercise strategically, get enough sleep, reduce stress, and stay hydrated. Consider switching to a low dose pill, non-hormonal IUD, fertility awareness or other method if fatigue persists.
When should I call my doctor about hormonal birth control fatigue?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience unrelenting, chronic exhaustion despite self-care. Also seek medical advice if depressed mood, worrisome pregnancy symptoms, or heavy/painful periods accompany new fatigue since starting birth control.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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