How to Lose Weight After Going Off Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen contains a combination of female hormones that prevents ovulation or release of eggs from the ovary 1. It is a popular contraception pill that also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus. Even if an egg does get fertilized, Ortho Tri-Cylcen prevents its attachment to the uterine lining, which is crucial for pregnancy. It is effective in women of varying weights and basal metabolic rates. Ortho Tri-Cyclen may, however, cause weight gain in some women 1.

Weight Issue

Most women taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen do not gain excessive amounts of weight 1. This is because:

• the pill contains relatively lower levels of androgenic progestin hormone
  
• says Dr

Judith Reichman
author of the book “Relax
This Won’t Hurt.” In fact
the weight gain associated with Ortho Tri-Cyclen is mainly due to fluid retention
especially in your fat cells 13. It may also cause a slight increase in your muscle mass due to the hormone progesterone found in the pill.

A Healthy Diet

How to Lose Water Weight

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Losing weight after discontinuing Ortho Tri-Cyclen may involve getting rid of all the excess fluid in the body 1. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they may increase the fluid retention in your body. Cut down on your sodium intake, as well. You get sodium not only from salty foods but also from hidden sources such as:

• soy sauce
  
• canned vegetables
  
• soups,
  
• diet meals
  
• says Mayo Clinic

A healthy diet is a part of every weight-loss program. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Herbal Supplements

You may also use natural diuretics such as ginger, dandelion and juniper, which cause excessive urination and help remove water from the body, says Dr. Katherine Zeratsky of Mayo Clinic 45. However, you must remember that herbal supplements sold in the United States are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. So, you must consult a doctor before using them, and make sure they have been tested for safety and efficacy by an independent testing agency such as the U. S. Pharmacopeial Convention.

Physical Activity

How to Lower Progesterone & Estrogen

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Plenty of exercise and physical activity is also important for losing water weight, says Mayo Clinic 5. In addition, physical activity may reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome that cause fluid retention in women.

Considerations

Make sure your weight gain is, in fact, due to Ortho Tri-Cyclen, as several conditions such as:

• irritable bowel syndrome
  
• celiac disease
  
• other gastrointestinal disorders also cause fluid retention in the body 1

Consult a doctor if you suspect other problems.