Will Birth Control Make You Tired? Get the Facts Here

Are you feeling unusually tired since starting birth control? Ever wondered about the potential side effects of your birth control?

For women, birth control has become a useful tool for regulating menstrual cycles and contraception. However, a common question is: will birth control make you tired?

According to research, about 2,055 women experience increased levels of daytime sleepiness after taking birth control. This concern highlights the balance between the benefits of birth control and its potential side effects.

Read on as we explore the facts and learn how to manage any potential side effects of taking birth control.

The Link Between Birth Control and Fatigue

Will birth control make you tired? The short answer is that it can. Fatigue from hormonal birth control can stem from hormonal changes, how your body reacts to the medication, and the type of birth control used.

Methods like the pill, patch, or ring alter natural hormone levels, which may cause tiredness or sleepiness. For instance, the increase in progesterone – a hormone that helps regulate your menstrual cycle – can cause drowsiness. Some women are more sensitive to these hormonal shifts, which can worsen feelings of fatigue.

Factors That Influence Fatigue on Birth Control

Not all birth control methods are the same, and some tend to cause more fatigue than others. Understanding how different factors affect your energy can help you choose the right birth control.

Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Methods

Hormonal birth control is more likely to cause fatigue due to the changes it causes to your body’s natural processes. Non-hormonal methods, such as barrier methods like condoms or copper IUDs, don’t alter hormone levels and are less likely to lead to tiredness.

Dosage

The dosage of hormones in your birth control can also play a role in causing sleepiness. Higher doses of estrogen and progesterone may increase the likelihood of fatigue. Some women find that switching to a lower-dose option reduces their tiredness.

Your Body’s Response

Every woman’s body responds differently to birth control. Some may feel tired for the first few weeks as their body adjusts, while others may not experience any fatigue at all.

Underlying Conditions

If you have underlying conditions such as:

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid issues

Birth control might interact with these conditions in a way that contributes to fatigue. It’s also worth considering that your fatigue might have nothing to do with your birth control at all. Recent lifestyle changes, like a new job, diet changes, or increased exercise, could also contribute to your fatigue.

Other Common Birth Control Side Effects

While fatigue is a common side effect, it’s not the only one associated with birth control. Knowing the full range of birth control side effects can help you figure out whether your tiredness comes from your contraception method or if it is something else entirely.

• Mood Swings: Shifts in hormone levels can cause mood swings, which may also result in feelings of fatigue.
• Nausea: Some women experience nausea when starting birth control, particularly with the pill, leading to poor sleep and increased fatigue.
• Headaches: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger headaches or migraines, which can be draining and contribute to tiredness.

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s worth discussing them with your gynecologist to determine if your birth control is the cause. However, it’s also important to understand not everyone will experience these symptoms, and for some, they may be temporary as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels.

Managing Birth Control Side Effects

How do you handle the side effects of birth control? Here are a few strategies you can try to manage the side effects:

Check Your Diet

Ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamins, and other nutrients that support energy levels. If your iron levels are low, you might need to incorporate more iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, and lean meats into your meals. Dehydration can also cause fatigue, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Stay Active

While it might seem counterintuitive, actively working out can boost your energy levels. Aim for moderate activity, like walking or yoga, to help improve your mood and fight fatigue.

Prioritize Sleep

Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential. Aim to set a consistent sleep schedule, develop a calming nighttime routine, and avoid using any electronics before sleeping to enhance the quality of your rest.

Alternative Birth Control Methods

If the fatigue is too much to handle, talk to your doctor about trying a different type of birth control. Non-hormonal options, like the copper IUD or condoms, won’t affect your hormones and might be a better fit if you’re sensitive to hormonal changes.

By following these strategies, you can better manage birth control side effects and find a routine that helps you feel more energized and balanced.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Some fatigue is normal in the first few months of starting a new birth control method. However, if your fatigue is persistent or accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain or significant mood swings, it’s time to check in with your healthcare provider.

In some cases, birth control and sleepiness might be due to an existing health condition, such as anemia or thyroid issues. Your doctor may suggest blood tests or other assessments to identify the cause of your fatigue and to make sure your birth control isn’t worsening any existing health issues.

Looking for Top-Notch Gynecological or Obstetric Care?

Every person’s body reacts differently to hormonal birth control, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’ve been asking, will birth control make you tired, the answer is that it might – but it doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of your life.

By listening to your body and working with your gynecologist, you can choose a birth control method that supports your health without leaving you feeling exhausted.

If you’re seeking expert care in gynecology, obstetrics, or any women’s health services, don’t hesitate to contact Women’s Health of Augusta. Our experienced professionals offer compassionate and advanced care tailored to your needs.