The birth control shot is a popular form of contraception, but like any medication, it comes with potential side effects. This article will outline five common side effects of the birth control shot that you should be aware of before deciding if it is the right choice for you.
- Weight gain
Receiving a birth control shot is a convenient way to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancy. And unlike the pills, you don’t have to remind yourself about it on a daily basis.
Instead, a single shot inhibit conception for up to three months. By keeping a reminder, you can schedule the next visit after twelve weeks.
But many women who use the shot complain about rapid weight gain. This bulging is due to the shot’s contents.
According to the research conducted by Mayo Clinic, weight gain is a possible side effect that some individuals may experience when using the contraceptive injection. This weight gain could be attributed to the content of the shot itself. If you gain more than 5% of your body weight within the first 6 months of using the contraceptive injection, it is likely that the weight gain may continue.
Any birth control shot thickens the cervical mucus a lot so that sperm doesn’t pass through to reach the egg. But to do this, the active compounds in the vaccine alter the body mechanism to increase fat production.
Besides, this contraceptive supports the retention of glucose, fluids and other digestive enzymes. In so doing, some fluids deposits turn into fat.
And as more water is retained, your body starts becoming heavy. About 60% of women using this shot gain five pounds during the first year. Fortunately, the excess weight dissipates after this duration.
- Unwanted facial hair and thinning hairline
Some birth control shots contain progestin to prevent pregnancies. This chemical is a synthetic form of progesterone secreted naturally by all women.
While some birth control shots have estrogen as the key compounds, other use artificial progesterone. Depending on the type of the shot you take, you may notice excessive hair on your face, or withering hair on your head.
This is how the shot works. When you take a contraceptive vaccine containing estrogen, it increases the level of this hormone in your system.
Excessive estrogen prevents testosterone secretion. Due to limited testosterone supply, your hitherto lush hair mass starts withering and thinning.
On the other hand, if you opt of the shot with progestin, it decreases the performance of progestin receptors. This intervention accelerates the production of ex vivo testosterone.
This predominantly male sex hormone propagates the growth of facial hair. Thus women tend to notice unwanted hair on their chins and temples.
- Body and mind mess
Some side effects of the shot are localized. And administering the shot may bring abdominal pains and discomfort.
Further, during this session, you may feel nauseated and constant bloating as a result of the medical reaction to normal body functions. Sometimes, these feelings are accompanied by general weaknesses and fatigue.
According to the research published by Very well Health, a common side effect of the contraceptive shot is a reaction to the injection itself. Some individuals may experience mild pain at the injection site, while others might develop skin reactions in the area where the shot was administered
This effect is not restricted to the body alone. It could impact on the mental state of some women. Thus, it’s not uncommon to become nervous, dizzy and tired. In extreme cases, some woman have expressed concerns related to headaches and depression.
Women who take shots that combine both estrogen and progestin suffer additional pains. These mostly manifest as sore and tender breast, which can be painful on slightest contact.
The chest pain can extends to your arm pits and upper arm. It happens due to water retention by vaccine which gets during menstruation. Eventually, your body adjusts to it.
- Changes in appetite
Changes in eating habits is yet another effect evident after taking the shot. The effects are mixed, with some women craving for more food, while others curtailing down their appetite.
Why is this the case? Well, some shot composition irritate the stomach lining, slow metabolism, and cause nausea. Still, shots could also cause stomach discomfort. As such, some women tend to throw up when they eat or generally loss their appetite.
To continue eating well, you can take the antacid tablets to calm this discomfort.
Yet some women’s appetite improve after taking the contraceptive shot. This is due to the steroid changes initiated by the shot.
The shot helps these women crave for extra portions, especially during the first six months of using this form of birth control.
But exercises could help. Physical activities burn the extra calories you add as a result of the eating disorder arising from the shot.
- Loss of bone density
The most significant side effect of using most birth control shots is shrinking bone mass. This situation is serious that many vaccinate manufacturers issue a warning on the same.
Research by the Foods & Drug Administration FDA states that exposure to prolonged administration of conception shot can result in the thinning of bones.
According to the research by the National Institute of Health, the contraceptive shot may lead to a decrease in bone mineral density, particularly within the first two years of use. However, it is worth noting that any loss in bone density has been found to fully or substantially recover after discontinuing the shot.
How then do you protect yourself from this effect? The first approach is to restrict yourself to less than two years of continuous injection. This hiatus gives your body adequate time to rebuilt brittle bones.
Second is to take diet rich in calcium. These include milk and dairy products. In addition, green leafy vegetable – kales, spinach, okra – also offer your system a huge calcium boost.
Lastly, is to use supplements. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation help you ingest additional minerals not sufficiently available in your regular meals.
Note that once osteoporosis sets in, regaining the lost bone density is difficult.
To wrap up, birth control shots are necessary if you want proper family planning but have several side effects. These side effects, if not taken seriously, can deteriorate the physical and reproductive health of females, which impacts mental health as well.
How Does The Birth Control Shot Change Your Body?
The birth control shot, also known as Depo-Provera, is a commonly used form of contraception. It is an injectable form of birth control that is administered every 12-13 weeks, providing women with a reliable and convenient method of preventing pregnancy. While the birth control shot is highly effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies, it also has some potential side effects that can impact a woman’s body. In this paper, we will explore how the birth control shot changes a woman’s body in terms of its mechanism of action, potential side effects, and long-term effects.
To understand how the birth control shot changes a woman’s body, it is important to first understand how it works. The birth control shot contains the hormone progestin, which is similar to the hormone progesterone that is naturally produced in a woman’s body. Progestin works by thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. It also thins the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. Additionally, progestin can also suppress ovulation, preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries. In summary, the birth control shot primarily works by preventing ovulation and creating a hostile environment for sperm.
One of the most common side effects of the birth control shot is changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle. Some women may experience irregular bleeding or spotting between periods, while others may experience a decrease in the frequency or intensity of their periods. This is because the birth control shot suppresses ovulation and thins the uterine lining, resulting in a lighter and shorter period. In some cases, women may even stop having periods altogether, which can be a desirable effect for those who suffer from heavy or painful periods.
Another potential side effect of the birth control shot is weight gain. While there is no direct link between the shot and weight gain, some women may experience an increase in appetite, leading to weight gain. It is important to note that not all women will experience this side effect, and it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine while on the birth control shot.
The birth control shot can also have an impact on a woman’s bone health. Research has shown that long-term use of the shot can lead to a decrease in bone density, putting women at a higher risk for osteoporosis. This is because the shot suppresses estrogen, a hormone that helps to maintain bone density. It is recommended for women who use the birth control shot for an extended period of time to also take calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent bone loss.
In addition to these potential side effects, the birth control shot can also have long-term effects on a woman’s body. While it is a reversible form of contraception, it may take some time for a woman’s fertility to return to normal once she stops using the shot. It is also important to note that the shot does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is still recommended to use barrier methods of contraception to prevent STIs.
Apart from its effects on the menstrual cycle, weight, and bone health, the birth control shot has also been linked to changes in mood and libido. Some women may experience changes in their mood, such as increased anxiety or depression, while others may experience a decrease in libido. These effects are not experienced by all women, and it is important to discuss any changes in mood or libido with a healthcare provider.
In conclusion, the birth control shot can bring about significant changes in a woman’s body. Its mechanism of action primarily works by preventing ovulation and creating a hostile environment for sperm. While it is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, it can also have potential side effects such as changes in menstrual cycle, weight gain, and impact on bone health. It is important for women to discuss any concerns or changes in their body with a healthcare provider to ensure the best possible use of the birth control shot.
