Is weight gain a side effect of the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)?
No. Some women do report an increase in weight. Studies have shown that weight gain in combined OCP users is not greater than an age matched population using barrier methods of contraception. Some women may experience cyclic pre-menstrual bloating /fluid retention which they perceive as weight gain. There may be increased appetite when the combined OCP is initiated and new users should be cautioned about this. This is the first time I have been on the birth control pill. I have been taking the pill every day at the same time for 2 weeks but I started my period anyway. Is this normal? Will I get my period again when I take the sugar pills in 1 week? Does this mean that the pills are not working for me? It is common to have unexpected bleeding in the first 2-3 months on a birth control pill. As long as you have taken a pill every day at about the same time, you are protected from pregnancy. Hang in there and keep going with the pills. You may have more bleeding during the week of sugar p
