Health Tip: Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

(HealthDay News) -- While many women take birth control pills without incident, these drugs can produce side effects, especially when a woman''s body adjusts to the hormonal changes they cause.

Here is a list of the most common side effects of birth control pills, courtesy of the Feminist Women''s Health Center:

• Bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles.
• Nausea.
• Tender breasts.
• Gaining weight or retaining water.
• Darkened spots on the skin.
• Moodiness.

These symptoms should ease within two or three cycles, the center says. If they don''t, talk with your doctor.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 14, 2007

Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.