does birth control pills affect your libido?
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Can hormonal birth control affect libido? The synthetic hormones in the pill and other hormonal contraceptives can lower libido in some women. It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of all women who take the pill will experience a decrease in sex drive.
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They found that, when the pill inhibits ovulation, it also eliminates a monthly period when a woman's attractiveness rises. The theory goes like this: Over the course of a menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuation slightly alters woman's facial appearance, her vocal pitch, even body odor.
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In a 2013 review of studies published since the 1970s on the pill and sexual function, researchers found that more than 6 in 10 people using the pill had no changes in libido, more than 2 in 10 had an increase in libido, and about 1 in 10 did report a decrease in libido (2).
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The estrogen in most birth control pills works to suppress ovulation, hence pregnancy. Here's exactly what to do when you're thinking about starting a family: “I recommend to stop taking birth control pills three months before you actually want to start trying,” says Dr.
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Change your birth control pills Estrogen can stimulate your appetite and cause you to retain water. If your contraception has a high dose of estrogen, you may be more likely to see a change in your weight.
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Although the pill is highly effective at preventing unintended pregnancy, it offers numerous other health benefits, too. Taking birth control pills can help to regulate hormonal swings and imbalances that can cause an array of different symptoms that interfere with day-to-day functioning.
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Effects on Mood & Behavior Women using oral contraceptives may exhibit personality changes such as altered emotional memory,[12] recognition of anger, and risky decision making compared to naturally-cycling controls.
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Some women experience changes to their appetite and weight while taking hormonal contraception. But there are few studies or evidence showing that birth control causes weight gain.
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Contrary to a popular myth, the pill has no negative impact on fertility. However, it is easy to understand why there are myths about birth control pills causing infertility as some women experience a delay in resuming ovulation and menses following prolonged birth control use.
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Birth control pills won't decrease appetite or improve a woman's metabolism. However, some birth control options can prevent water retention and also act as a diuretic, which can give women who would otherwise retain water a slimmer appearance.
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“Better moods mean better sex.” “I went off the birth control pill about five months ago. I used to suffer from anxiety and depression, but after going off, I noticed a huge improvement in my mood and overall mental state. And that's meant a much improved sex drive too!”
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Some women also experience mood changes and depression when taking contraceptives. Since the body works to maintain a hormone balance, it's possible that the introduction of hormones creates a disruption, causing changes in mood.
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A study appearing today in Human Reproduction found women taking a birth control pill were less sensitive to scents, which may negatively affect their sex drives. Researchers tested the ability of 60 women not taking the pill to detect six smells at various points in their menstrual cycles.
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Mood changes: The hormones in birth control pills may increase the risk of depression. Perceived weight gain: Weight gain may occur while taking the pill due to fluid retention. However, a 2017 systematic review concluded that hormonal contraceptives are unlikely to affect most women's weight.
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Androgen hormones include testosterone, which has a significant impact on sex drive. Hormonal birth control methods decrease the ovaries' production of androgen hormones, which can diminish sexual desire, enjoyment, and lubrication.
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It can cause irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and acne. Taking birth control pills can improve these symptoms by balancing your hormones, lowering the level of testosterone, and regulating your period.
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When a person uses hormonal birth control, it can change the natural level of hormones in their body and could possibly cause changes to their mental health. Environmental and societal factors likely affect the risk for depression as well (7).