Contraceptives and their Effects

I am in agreement with my classmate that contraception involves estrogen and progesterone hormones. The said hormones are effective at preventing pregnancy given that they prevent ovulation and cause the cervical mucus to thicken (1). As highlighted by my classmate, the said contraceptives are hormonal. Therefore, taking contraceptives such as contraceptive pills, contraceptive skin patch, vaginal ring, and the birth control pill (2) contraceptives may have various effects. Apart from migraines, use of contraceptives is associated with various side effects which are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; eye changes, vaginal discharge, decreased libido, missed periods, mood swings, weight gain, breast swellings, nausea, and spotting between periods (1). The said effects tend to have minor effects on the body. This is more so the case given that they appear at the beginning of the cycle and disappear after some time (2). For instance, weight gain is a common effect of the use of contraceptives. It is believed that contraceptives increases the rate at which water is retained in the body. In addition, the said contraceptives lead to increased muscle mass or fat in the body thus leading to weight gain (1). Studies suggest that women who take contraceptives tend to have a 10% increase in their weight (1). However, there happens to be no substantive and widely collaborated proof of the said effect (2).

With regard to mood changes, most women on hormonal contraceptives report changes in mood owing to appraisal of stress caused by hormonal contraceptives. The said contraceptives may lead to hormonal fluctuations that may result in depressive states. Most women taking contraceptives also report vaginal dryness which leads to decreased libido. The said decrease if often caused by increased levels of globulin which happens to be a sex-binding hormone. Essentially, globulin hormone lowers the levels of free testosterone (1). Side effects caused by migraines are in some instances extensive. This is more so the case given that migraines caused by contraceptives occur in various episodes. Essentially, migraines occur even after ovulation has been suppressed. On the other hand, the effects associated with weight gain and mood swings can be suppressed, and the said effects can disappear after continued use of contraception. In addition, the effects of weight gain can be reduced through exercise and healthy eating (1).