As you already know, there are different contraceptive methods and one of the most used among women are pills or pills. It is one of the most widespread methods to prevent pregnancy but, we must remind you, the pills do not prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases as condoms can. For this same reason, if you do not have a regular partner, it is important that you take this into account when having relationships. Oral contraceptive pills cause certain alterations in a woman's sex hormones. This is usually the reason why they can cause side effects, especially the first few months after starting to take them. Although the effects are usually mild, it is important to start and follow this process with a doctor who advises you at all times and who is aware of the processes you are going through. Among the most common side effects are headaches, especially when starting these contraceptives. But is it possible that one thing is related to the other? Can the pills cause a headache and what is the reason? We clear all your doubts!

Headache and birth control pills

Many of the women who take this type of contraceptive do not experience any side effects. However, another part of the female population does suffer from them. What is the reason why the pill can cause headaches?

· Wrong intake

One of the reasons that we can find in these cases is the incorrect intake of pills. Some women self-prescribe birth control pills without having gone through the necessary control by a gynecologist. It may be that that particular brand or type of contraceptive is not what they need, or that a lower dose of hormones is required. In this case, a change in treatment will suffice to solve those headaches.

· First weeks

A side effect that can appear at the beginning of the treatment of birth control pills are these mild headaches. It is common for many women to feel them during the first weeks after starting to take them since the body must get used to the high levels of hormones. If it does not stop after this period, you should see a doctor since it is possible that these types of pills are not working well and it is necessary to change them.

· Hormonal changes

Estrogen and progesterone play a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle, and changes in the levels of these hormones can affect and cause headaches. Sometimes, these alterations occur when reaching the placebo week of the pills, and that may be precisely the origin of the pain. Managing to keep estrogen levels more or less constant with the help of your doctor can help you eliminate them. While we find a solution to these pains we can treat them with cold cloths on the head and neck, exercises and infusions that help relaxation or painkillers.

Benefits of birth control pills

Undoubtedly, leaning towards the intake of pills as a contraceptive method makes life easier for many women. Not only to avoid possible pregnancies but because they have other benefits that make your day to day easier. What benefits can start taking the pill have?

· Acne

If you have suffered or are suffering from acne, pills can help you stop it. Because? Acne is caused by hormonal changes. There are certain hormones that order to produce more sebum and this turns the skin into acne-prone skin. When you start taking the pill you will have a greater regulation of hormones and, therefore, these symptoms will calm down.

· Goodbye to severe pain

If you are one of those people who have suffered severe pain with their periods all their lives, one of those who does not go away even taking ibuprofen, start taking the contraceptive pill. It will help you to carry them much better, decreasing and relieving (in some cases almost completely) the pain of menstruation.

· Hello to the regular rules

Many women suffer very irregular periods throughout their lives, without having a menstrual cycle with a clear pattern. The pills will help you to order the cycles since both the quantity and the duration of the cycles are within normal limits.

4 side effects of the birth control pill

Everything good also has a bad side and, as we mentioned at the beginning, they can have side effects. In addition to headaches, there are other effects that can be experienced when starting to take the pill. If you're not one of those who have these problems, great! But it never hurts to be informed, just in case.

1. Nausea

Nausea is one of those common symptoms that occurs at the beginning of taking the pill. Although the reality is that this effect can disappear two months after it started, so if it persists you should go to the gynecologist. Nausea is caused by the body's reaction to hormone levels as it must get used to them. If you only have nausea you should not worry too much about the effect of the pills and you can continue taking them. However, if you vomit up to 2 hours after taking it, it is very possible that the intake has not had the effect it should.

2. Humor changes

Mood swings have a lot to do with the hormonal change you suffer from pills. When taking them you may experience emotional changes. Some studies suggest that people with a history of depression may be more prone to these changes when taking birth control. If you consider starting to take it, it does not hurt to inform the gynecologist about whether you have suffered from depression.

3. Intermenstrual losses

During the first few months of taking the contraceptive pill, about half of women may experience some bleeding between periods. This effect may be scary at first, but don't worry. After this time it is normal for them to be reduced or completely eliminated.

4. Weight and/or breast gain

Birth control pills have a high dose of estrogen, a hormone associated with bloating. For this reason we can say that there may be, in some cases, an increase in the chest or weight. While it is true that the pills can cause weight gain, it is not as noticeable as you might imagine and not all women do not suffer. For its part, there may also be an increase in the size of the breasts, especially in those pills that have a large load of estrogen. By increasing these levels, the breasts will be able to increase up to one more size. But this will only last while you are taking the contraceptives, since when you stop taking them they will return to their natural size. In general, and as we mentioned before, side effects usually have an easy solution: go to the doctor and have them prescribe the pills that best suit your body. That is why it is vitally important that this process is accompanied by a specialist, who you can consult if you have headaches or any other side effect.