Unfortunately, the exact reason as to why overweight and/or obese women are at greater risk of oral contraceptive failure is not completely known. However, several proposed theories point to biological factors that may account for increased risk:
• Hormone Levels: Modern-day birth control pills contain relatively low hormone levels (as compared to those first introduced decades [...]
While the majority of women who participated in a nationwide survey of women aged 18 to 35 believe the answer to these questions is “yes,” the fact is that the answer to both of these questions is “no.” These are some of the myths that affect how millions of American women think about and use [...]
Using the lowest possible estrogen containing birth control pill should minimize weight gain and swelling from water retention. Current 20 mcgm pills which are the lowest estrogen doses available are:
• Alesse®
• Levlite®
• Loestrin-Fe®
• Mircette®
If you are not taking one of the lowest dose pills, ask your physician or health care provider to switch you to one of the [...]
In one study of pills, a formulation containing desogestrel as the progestin and slightly less estrogen had significantly less weight gain when compared to a pill containing norethindrone (Ortho Novum 7/7/7®). This may imply that the specific progestin has a role in weight gain, possibly through a lesser degree of insulin resistance. Or it could [...]