She Strengthens

The Truth About Birth Control and Fatigue

Are you experiencing exhaustion after starting a new hormonal birth control method? You’re not alone. While it’s uncommon, hormonal contraceptives like the pill, patch, or shot might cause fatigue. Let’s explore the potential side effects and when to consult your doctor.

What You Need to Know

Hormonal birth control methods, such as combination birth control pills, vaginal ring contraceptives, transdermal patches, and Depo-Provera shots, can cause fatigue, weakness, or lack of energy. However, it’s essential to note that these side effects are relatively rare and often subside as you continue to take the medication.

Understanding the Different Types of Birth Control

There are two primary types of birth control pills: combined pills with estrogen and progesterone, and progesterone-only pills. Progesterone-only pills do not list fatigue or extreme tiredness as a side effect. Other forms of hormonal birth control, such as the vaginal ring and transdermal patch, can cause depression, difficulty sleeping, and loss of energy.

Why You Might Not Know About Fatigue as a Side Effect

Fatigue isn’t a commonly reported side effect, and it’s often overlooked. We tend to blame our busy schedules and lack of sleep for our exhaustion, rather than considering our birth control method as a potential cause. Additionally, there hasn’t been extensive research on the relationship between hormonal birth control and sleep.

The Conflicting Research

Studies on the subject produce mixed results. Some research suggests that hormonal birth control can improve sleep quality, while others indicate that it can lead to insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. The only certainty is that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of hormonal birth control on sleep and fatigue.

Identifying the Cause of Fatigue

If you’re experiencing fatigue, it’s essential to determine whether it’s related to your birth control method or another underlying factor. Mild side effects of birth control usually fade within three months. If your fatigue persists, there may be another cause. Your healthcare provider can help you identify the root cause of your fatigue.

Other Potential Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue can be caused by various lifestyle factors and medical conditions, including:

• Iron-deficient anemia
• Sleep apnea
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Celiac disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Diabetes
• Glandular fever or mononucleosis
• Depression
• Restless legs
• Anxiety

Managing Fatigue

If you’re experiencing fatigue due to your birth control method, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms. Try to get more rest, reduce stress, eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. If your fatigue persists, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your fatigue lasts longer than two weeks, seek medical attention. Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms along with fatigue, seek emergency treatment:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling faint
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Abnormal bleeding, bleeding from your rectum, or vomiting blood
• Severe abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
• Severe headache

Switching Birth Control Methods

If you’re experiencing intolerable side effects, your doctor can prescribe a different formulation. You may want to consider a contraceptive method with a lower dose of hormones or a non-hormonal method like an intrauterine device (IUD).

Remember

Fatigue is a possible but unlikely side effect of hormonal birth control methods. If you think your contraceptive is making you extra tired, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. With their help, you can determine the cause of your fatigue and find a solution that works for you.