Starting birth control can feel like opening a can of a hundred questions. Will it mess with your weight? Make your period disappear? Turn you into a hormonal whirlwind? The internet has a lot to say, and it’s not always easy to tell fact from fiction.

So, if you're sitting there wondering what to expect when you pop that first pill or patch that first patch, you’re not alone. Let’s talk through it in plain language.

Periods First: What’s Up with the Changes?

Okay, so one of the most noticeable shifts on hormonal birth control is what happens to your period. For some, it’s like “omg where did my cramps go?” while for others it’s more like “why haven’t I bled in three months and should I be worried?”

The thing is that birth control doesn’t give you a "real" period. If you’re on the combo pill (the one with oestrogen and progestin), that monthly bleed is actually a withdrawal bleed, it’s just your body reacting to the week of sugar pills. And if you’re skipping those? You might not bleed at all.

Which leads to the common question: how many periods can you skip on the pill before it’s a problem? Short answer - if your healthcare provide is cool with it, you can skip as many as you like. Skipping periods on purpose has become a normal way to manage cramps, PMS, or even convenience (no shame in timing your cycle around holidays).

That said, if your period ghosts for too long or you feel weird about it, check in with your provider, just for peace of mind.

What About Weight?

We must talk about it - because the “does the pill make you gain weight” worry is everywhere. First things first: there’s no strong proof that hormonal birth control causes major, long-term weight gain. Some people might gain a few pounds early on, mostly due to water retention or shifts in appetite, but it usually levels out.

That said, everyone reacts differently. One person might not notice a thing. Another might feel bloated or hungrier than usual. It really depends on your body, your metabolism, and your lifestyle at the time.

If you do notice weight changes that bug you, don’t tough it out. There are lots of birth control options out there, some with higher doses, some super low. You can always try something new.

Other Side Effects Nobody Warned You About

Beyond periods and weight, there’s a grab bag of possible birth control side effects people don’t always mention. We’re talking:

• Mood shifts (annoying but usually temporary)
• Spotting between cycles
• Headaches or nausea
• Skin changes - sometimes better, sometimes not
• Random libido changes (yep, that too)

None of these happen to everyone, and some only pop up in the first few months. Still, if something feels off, trust your gut. You don’t need to suffer just to stay on a certain brand or method. Your comfort matters.

But It’s Not All Doom and Gloom

Let’s give credit where it’s due: hormonal birth control isn’t just about preventing pregnancy. It can be a total lifesaver for people with heavy, painful, or irregular periods. For some, it helps calm hormonal acne or reduce migraines. For others, it’s just the mental relief of not stressing over an unexpected pregnancy every month.

And honestly? That kind of peace is powerful.

Bottom Line: It's Your Body, Your Call

If you’re thinking about starting birth control or switching it up, it’s totally valid to have questions. Some things you won’t know until you try it. But that doesn’t mean you have to go in blind.

Take note of how your body feels, how your moods shift, how your cycle changes. Talk to someone you trust (a doctor, a friend, maybe both). There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s okay.

Whether you stick with the pill, try another method, or take a break altogether, your choice should always come from a place of what works for you.

Birth control can totally change how your body feels - from your period to your jeans to your mood. Some side effects are common but manageable. Most are temporary. And if anything feels wrong, you’ve got every right to switch it up.

You're in charge here. Don’t forget that.

Love, Libra x

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.