Side effects of the contraceptive pill

Widely used by women, the contraceptive pill helps to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Like any pill, it has side effects. What are the side effects of the contraceptive pill?

The pill can cause a headache

This side effect is real. Indeed, the French Drug Agency has indicated that estrogen-progestin contraceptives (contraceptives that contain estrogen and progesterone) do have side effects on women. According to the same health authority, the most frequent effects are headaches and migraines. 

The appearance or aggravation of headaches and migraines must be reported to the prescribing physician as soon as possible. Moreover, according to the French Society for the Study of Migraines and Headaches, in a woman with migraine who presents one or more symptoms of vascular risk such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and even more cardiovascular history, or phlebitis.

The pill can cause bleeding between periods

You may experience bleeding even outside of your period. According to several experts, bleeding due to taking the contraceptive pill can occur easily and especially if it was not taken at the time it was recommended. The bleeding in question comes out through the vagina, but actually comes from the uterus. In the simplest cases, this blood flow can be more or less abundant and accompanied by several other symptoms such as pain, vaginal discharge, etc. 

The pill can cause depression and mood disorders

This issue is quite complex, but there is definitely a link between mood and hormones in women. Hormonal changes can therefore be the cause of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and insomnia. Generally, it is those who were already suffering from these problems who report that the contraceptive pill only made this effect worse, although not always. However, some women reported that birth control pills actually improved their mood. This is a sign that everyone reacts to hormones in the same way. It is also recommended to follow the right dosage.