Do hormonal methods of family planning have side effects

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Because hormonal methods contain the same chemicals that a woman’s body makes when she is pregnant, these things may happen during the first few months:

• nausea
• headaches
• swelling of the breasts
• weight gain
• changes in monthly bleeding

Side effects often get better after the first 2 or 3 weeks or months. If they do not, and they are annoying or worrying you, see a health worker. She may be able to help you change the amount of the hormones in your method or to change methods. For more information about the specific side effects that are common with each hormonal method, read the corresponding sections.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en020420