How to Beat Birth Control Bloat

Though birth control pills are often prescribed in part to stop pre-menstrual bloating, these can also be the cause of bloating, says Dr. Donnica Moore, an obstetrician and gynecologist, on her women's health website, Dr.Donnica.com. This is because the Pill works to trick the body into thinking it's pregnant, and one of the effects of pregnancy is bloating.

However, there are ways to beat birth control bloat. A visit to the gynecologist is a must.

Keep a daily diary of the bloating for a month. Note how bad it is on each day and if there are additional symptoms, such as lower back pain or abdominal pain. Also write down what you eat. Some foods contribute to bloating.

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Call your gynecologist and make an appointment to discuss birth control bloating.

Bring the bloating diary to the gynecologist's appointment and discuss when the symptoms are happening. The doctor will also want to know if you are taking the birth control pill regularly and if you're having additional symptoms, which may be caused by other conditions.

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The doctor may prescribe you a different birth control pill. For example, the birth control pill Yasmin has a diuretic in it. Or the doctor may decide that you need different hormones altogether, or none at all.

Tips

If you have been taking birth control pills for three months or less, the body may still need time to get used to the new hormones.

Warnings

Always consult your doctor about these conditions. Do not simply take an over-the-counter diuretic without first asking your doctor.