How Starting Birth Control Can Make You Feel Tired
Many women who begin taking birth control pills, especially combination estrogen/progestin pills, report feeling tired or fatigued. This is a common side effect that normally improves over the first few months as your body adjusts to the medication. Heres a look at why birth control can cause tiredness and what you can do to overcome it.
Why Birth Control May Cause Fatigue
There are several possible reasons that starting hormonal birth control can leave you feeling drained of energy:
- Estrogen effects - Estrogen can cause fluid retention and alter cortisol levels, leaving you feeling sluggish.
- Progestin effects - Progestin may interfere with sleep quality, making you feel more tired during the day.
- Iron levels - Birth control can deplete iron reserves, potentially leading to anemia and exhaustion.
- Vitamin B deficiency - The pill can also reduce levels of vitamin B6 and B12, which provide energy.
- Blood sugar changes - Hormones may impact blood sugar regulation, causing tiredness after eating.
When Will Birth Control Tiredness Improve?
For most women, birth control related fatigue begins to get better after about 3 months as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels. However, it can sometimes take 6 months or longer to feel like your normal energetic self again after beginning birth control.
The first few months involve a major shift in hormones that can leave you feeling drained and moody. Give your body time to find its new equilibrium before worrying that the tiredness will be permanent.
Managing Birth Control Fatigue
If you start birth control and suddenly feel like you can't get through the day without a nap, don't panic. Here are some tips to overcome birth control related tiredness:
- Get moving - Regular exercise helps balance hormones and boost energy. Even a 30 minute walk can make a difference.
- Try a B complex vitamin - Taking a high quality B complex supplement can help counteract energy-zapping nutrient deficiency.
- Eat frequent, smaller meals - Don't let yourself get overly hungry, which can exacerbate fatigue.
- Stay hydrated - Dehydration makes you feel tired. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Limit sugar and refined carbs - Sugary and high glycemic foods cause an energy crash.
- Get enough sleep - Being well rested will help you better handle any hormonal shifts.
When to See Your Doctor
Extreme or prolonged fatigue when starting birth control may be a sign something else is going on. Make an appointment with your doctor if:
- Fatigue doesn't start to improve after 3 months on the pill
- You feel weak, achy or faint along with tiredness
- Exhaustion is severely impacting your daily life
- You suspect you have become anemic or deficient in key nutrients
- Another underlying condition may be contributing to fatigue
Your doctor can run blood tests to check for anemia, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders or other problems. Switching to a lower hormone pill or a different birth control method may also help.
Different Birth Control Options
If you find combination birth control pills make you feel too drained, there are other contraceptive options that may not have the same fatigue-inducing effects:
Progestin-Only Pill
Contains no estrogen, only progestin. The lack of estrogen may mean less fatigue. Brand names include Micronor, Camila and Nora-BE.
Birth Control Shot
The Depo-Provera shot delivers progestin without estrogen. Get the shot every 3 months. May cause less tiredness than the pill.
Hormonal IUD
Intrauterine devices like Mirena or Skyla release small amounts of progestin into the uterus. Localized hormones may mean fewer side effects.
Birth Control Implant
Nexplanon and other implants go under the skin of the upper arm and steadily release progestin. Lasts up to 5 years.
Vaginal Ring
Flexible rings like NuvaRing provide continuous low doses of estrogen and progestin. Only need to replace monthly.
Birth Control Patch
Ortho Evra is a skin patch worn on the arm, stomach, back or buttocks that delivers estrogen and progestin through the skin.
Barrier Methods
Diaphragms, cervical caps and condoms create a physical barrier to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal options.
Fertility Awareness
Natural family planning methods involve tracking your cycle. Requires diligence but avoids hormones.
Estrogen vs. Progestin Side Effects
Birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. Understanding the different effects of each hormone can help you choose the best contraceptive option if tiredness is a concern.
Estrogen Side Effects
Estrogen is mainly responsible for these birth control side effects:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Nausea
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes and depression
Progestin Side Effects
Progestin causes these common side effects from birth control:
- Irregular spotting and bleeding
- Headaches and migraines
- Acne outbreaks
- Decreased libido
- Insomnia and sleep problems
Going with a progestin-only birth control method may avoid issues like fatigue, nausea and fluid retention caused by estrogen.
Lifestyle Changes to Boost Energy
While you wait for birth control related tiredness to improve, try making these diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to naturally fight fatigue:
Eat Energizing Foods
Choose nutrient-packed foods to fuel your body:
- Lean proteins - eggs, fish, chicken, tofu
- Whole grains - oats, quinoa, brown rice
- Healthy fats - avocados, nuts, olive oil
- Dark leafy greens - kale, spinach, swiss chard
- Fresh fruit - berries, citrus, melons, apples
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration exacerbates fatigue. Make sure to drink plenty of water, herbal tea, and unsweetened beverages.
Reduce Processed Foods
Limit sugar, refined carbs, fast food, and artificial ingredients that can lead to an energy crash.
Take a Daily Walk
Moving your body energizes you. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of brisk walking per day.
Try Yoga and Stretching
Gentle yoga poses and breathing exercises reduce stress hormones and boost mind-body awareness.
Get More High Quality Sleep
Being well-rested allows you to better cope with fatigue. Go to bed earlier and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep.
<h3FAQs
Why does birth control make you tired?
Birth control pills can cause tiredness due to shifts in estrogen, progestin, iron levels, blood sugar, and nutrients like vitamin B6 and B12. The hormonal changes disrupt energy levels, especially in the first few months.
How long does birth control pill fatigue last?
For most women, fatigue and tiredness from starting birth control pills improves after about 3 months as the body adjusts to the hormones. It can sometimes take 6 months or more to fully adjust and feel normal energy levels again.
What can you do for birth control fatigue?
Ways to manage birth control tiredness include exercise, B complex vitamins, eating energizing whole foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and limiting sugar and refined carbs. See your doctor if it persists.
Do progesterone-only pills cause fatigue?
Progestin-only birth control pills, shots, and implants may be less likely to cause fatigue than combination pills with estrogen. However, progestin can still potentially lead to fatigue in some women.
What birth control is least likely to cause fatigue?
The IUD (Mirena, Skyla) and implant (Nexplanon) have the lowest hormone doses locally rather than systemically, so they may be less fatiguing. A progestin-only pill is another option for potentially less tiredness.
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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