Can skyla cause weight gain: Do IUDs Make You Gain Weight?

21.05.202126.07.2023 by alexxlab

IUDs and Weight Gain: Is There a Connection?

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Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — By Natalie Silver — Updated on May 5, 2023

Unintentional weight gain likely has more to do with the natural aging process and your overall lifestyle than your choice of birth control.

An IUD is one form of contraceptive used by people who menstruate. It’s a small device that your doctor inserts into your uterus. It’s one of the most effective methods of reversible birth control.

Two forms of IUDs are available:

Copper IUDs

The copper IUD (ParaGard) is a plastic, T-shaped device with copper wire wrapped around it. It creates an inflammatory reaction in your uterus, which is toxic to sperm. This helps prevent pregnancy. The device lasts up to 10 years before you need to replace it.

The copper IUD may cause side effects, such as:

anemia
backaches
cramping
vaginitis
painful sex
bleeding between periods
heavy bleeding during periods
severe menstrual pains
vaginal discharge

Weight gain isn’t a listed side effect of the copper IUD.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena and Skyla are plastic T-shaped devices that release the hormone progestin into your uterus.

This thickens your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing your eggs. The hormone also thins your uterine lining and helps prevent your eggs from being released.

The Skyla IUD lasts up to 3 years before you need to replace it, and the Mirena IUD can last for up to 5 years before it needs to be replaced.

Hormonal IUDs may cause side effects, such as changes in your menstrual bleeding and missed periods. Other side effects include:

acne
depression
heavy bleeding during menstruation
headaches, such as migraines

Hormonal IUDs also list weight gain as a possible side effect.

One 2020 study compared weight gain with the hormonal IUD, the copper IUD, and the birth control implant among a large group of racially diverse women. The hormonal IUD showed that hormonal IUD users gained about 0.72 kg (about 1.59 lbs) on average after 12 months.

This suggests that hormonal IUDs could contribute to low levels of weight gain. It should be noted that weight gain can have many causes and that more research needs to be done.

If you choose to use an IUD, your doctor will have to insert it. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects after the IUD is inserted.

IUDs don’t prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should use other barrier methods, such as condoms, to protect yourself and your partner from STIs.

It’s commonly assumed that using certain contraception methods leads to weight gain. However, studies indicate that most people tend to gain weight during their reproductive years, regardless of their chosen birth control methods.

The National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health reviewed several studies on weight gain and copper IUDs. It found no evidence that IUD use affects weight.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, hormonal forms of birth control probably won’t cause you to gain a lot of weight either.

If you think you’ve gained weight because of your hormonal contraceptive, talk to your doctor. There are many forms of contraceptives available.

Managing a healthy weight for you is a lifelong endeavor. More than 66 percent of women in the United States have overweight or obesity, reports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Doing what you can to maintain a healthy-for-you weight and avoid significant weight gain or loss is important to your overall health.

If you’d like to lose weight, avoid eating more calories than you burn each day. Follow these tips to have a balanced and nutrient-dense diet:

Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean sources of protein.
Avoid high-fat meats, fried foods, and sweets.
Drink plenty of water, and reduce consumption of high-calorie beverages such as soda.

You should avoid fad and elimination diets that deprive you of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you need.

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, you also need to get regular physical exercise. For optimum health, your weekly exercise routine should include:

aerobic exercises, such as running, walking, bicycling, dancing, or swimming
strength-training exercises, such as lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight exercises
stretching exercises

You should spend at least 150 minutes on moderate-intensity aerobic activities every week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Making healthy food choices and engaging in regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Finding the right birth control method for you and managing your weight are important factors in staying healthy.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your IUD or your weight. If you exercise and eat a well-balanced diet, but you still notice a significant fluctuation in your weight, there may be a medical reason for it.

Your doctor can help you find the best IUD based on your lifestyle, health, and reproductive plans.

Last medically reviewed on May 12, 2021

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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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May 5, 2023

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May 12, 2021

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Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — By Natalie Silver — Updated on May 5, 2023

Do IUDs Cause Weight Gain?

IUDs have not been shown to cause weight gain. Learn why your weight may change with an IUD.

Like all medications, birth control can have side effects. They’re important to consider when choosing the method that’s right for you. Birth control side effects may include acne, breakthrough bleeding, mood changes, and more. Weight gain is a concern among women choosing birth control, but it’s a common misconception that IUDs cause weight gain. To answer some frequently asked questions about IUD weight gain, we talked to Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, BCACP, AAHIVP, founder of The Public Health Pharmacist and clinical researcher of women’s health.

What is an IUD?

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, T-shaped plastic device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. With less than a 1% risk of pregnancy each year, IUDs are the most effective form of birth control available. IUDs are a great choice for those who often forget to take their daily birth control pills. After insertion, an IUD lasts anywhere from three to 12 years. It can be used by women of all ages, according to the CDC. They are also a reversible contraception option, allowing you to go back to regular fertility once your IUD is removed.

There are two types of IUD products: copper and hormonal. While both are effective in preventing pregnancy, there are some key differences to keep in mind.

RELATED: How does IUD birth control work?

Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs are hormone-free. They use plastic and copper coils instead of levonorgestrel. Copper is a natural spermicide, killing sperm before it can reach an egg. Copper IUDs, like ParaGard, can be used for up to 12 years.

Hormonal IUDs

Sometimes referred to as intrauterine systems, hormonal IUDs release small amounts of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel into the uterus, which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. These IUDs can last anywhere from three to eight years.

One of the most common hormonal IUD brands is Mirena, manufactured by Bayer. Mirena prevents pregnancy for up to five years but may remain effective for up to eight years.

The cost of Mirena varies, but Bayer recently reported that 95% of women are covered with little to no out-of-pocket costs. The list price of Mirena is $1,410, which comes out to about $15 per month over eight years. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, there are Mirena coupons available.

Other common brands include Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. Each hormonal IUD brand is different, so be sure to consult with your OB-GYN on which is right for you.

RELATED: What is Mirena? | What is Skyla? | What is Liletta? | What is Kyleena?

What are the side effects of an IUD?

Both hormonal and copper IUDs do much more than just preventing pregnancy. For example, Mirena treats heavy bleeding, which benefits those who experience endometriosis-related pain. ParaGard, the copper IUD, is also used as an emergency contraceptive since it begins working immediately.

Side effects of intrauterine dosage forms, like the Mirena IUD, are typically less severe than those seen with oral contraceptives, according to Dr. Madison.

While IUDs are 99% effective, there are some common side effects that include:

Cramping and back pain after placement
Irregular bleeding and spotting
Irregular periods, which may become lighter or even stop
Ovarian cysts, which usually disappear
Heavy menstrual bleeding or longer periods with copper IUDs

Rare, but serious, side effects of IUDs include:

Potential risk of pelvic infection within 20 days after insertion
The IUD slipping or moving, which will need to be taken out by a professional
Expulsion of the device from the uterus

Mirena side effects

Possible side effects of IUDs vary from patient to patient. Side effects may also depend on the type of IUD used. The Mirena IUD may have additional, hormone-based side effects, such as:

Headaches
Acne
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Nausea
Fatigue

Since Mirena and other hormonal IUDs use the progestin hormone instead of estrogen, some patients may experience weight gain or hair loss due to lower estrogen levels. However, these side effects are uncommon and may be related to a number of other health issues, such as stress or other illnesses.

“Benefits of using these highly effective and long-acting products outweigh the risk of potential side effects,” says Dr. Madison, but make sure to consult with your doctor to determine if an IUD is the right option for you.

RELATED: Mirena alternatives

IUD weight gain

The majority of IUD users do not experience weight gain. Copper, non-hormonal IUDs do not cause weight gain, whereas about 5% of patients using hormonal IUDs report weight gain. Since Mirena is a hormonal IUD, Mirena weight gain is possible, but unlikely.

“The perception of weight gain from these products is widely thought of, but has not been substantiated,” says Dr. Madison. “There was no difference in body weight or composition seen among [IUD] products after 12 months of continuous use.” While you may have some weight gain after getting your IUD, it should subside.

Weight gain can happen with hormonal IUDs due to the hormone, progestin. Any IUD weight gain is likely not an increase in body fat, but instead an increase in water retention. The hormone progestin may increase water retention that causes bloating, typically adding about five pounds. The amount of weight gained will vary from patient to patient, but any water retention will likely go down three months post-insertion.

It’s important to know that gaining any weight post-insertion is likely due to the patient’s lifestyle as opposed to the IUD itself. Many American women naturally gain two pounds each year, entirely unrelated to any hormonal contraceptives, according to Yale Medicine.

Consider making some lifestyle changes to avoid weight gain after getting an IUD. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and other common healthy habits should minimize the chances of any weight change after getting an IUD.

Should bloating not subside three months after IUD insertion, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about other options. Copper IUDs, like Paragard, have not been linked to weight gain, making them a great alternative.

What birth control doesn’t cause weight gain?

Should an IUD prove to be not the best birth control method for you, there are plenty of other contraceptive options to consider. Consult your healthcare provider about what would work best for you. Some common birth control options include:

Birth control pills
Xulane patches
Birth control injections, like Depo-Provera
Contraceptive implants, like Nexplanon
Vaginal rings, like NuvaRing

Hormonal birth control gets a bad reputation for causing weight gain. However, weight gain is not a side effect of most birth control methods. Any weight gain reported while taking birth control is likely natural, like aging or your metabolism slowing down.

Only one form of birth control has been linked to weight gain, and that’s the injection Depo-Provera. If you’re looking to avoid weight gain, stay away from injectable contraceptives. These injectables have been shown to activate signals that control hunger, resulting in weight gain in some patients.

As you consider other birth control options, keep in mind that some, like the pill, injections, patches, and vaginal rings, have 10% yearly failure rates due to human error.

“Choosing the best contraceptive product is very individualized,” says Dr. Madison, so make sure to speak openly and honestly with your gynecologist about which birth control method is right for you.

IUD weight gain FAQs

Does Mirena cause weight gain?

Mirena has not been shown to cause weight gain. Less than 10% of Mirena users experienced weight gain in its manufacturer clinical trials. There was not enough evidence to show that these participants’ weight gain was caused by Mirena. However, it is possible to initially gain a few pounds due to an increase in water retention, which should subside after a few months.

What should I do if I gain weight on Kyleena?

If you experience weight gain with Kyleena, try to find the cause of the weight gain. Was there a recent change in your life that may be causing it? There is a multitude of reasons that someone can gain weight. Kyleena does not have evidence of weight gain by itself, but an initial weight gain of a few pounds due to water retention should not be alarming. Practicing a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent weight gain. However, if you experience unexplained weight gain, talk to your healthcare provider because it could be caused by another medical condition.

Why do people gain weight with IUDs?

People can gain weight with IUDs due to water retention. This usually goes away within a few months of getting an IUD inserted. Generally, IUDs do not show an increase in actual weight or body fat.

Can a copper IUD make you gain weight?

Studies have shown that Copper IUDs do not cause weight gain. This is because they do not have progestin, the hormone present in hormonal IUDs that causes water retention. If you gain weight unexplainably with a copper IUD, speak to a healthcare provider. It could be caused by an underlying condition.

Endocrinologist called the reasons for weight gain | Society news | Izvestiya

An imbalance between the energy consumed in the form of food and the energy expended leads to an increase in body weight. Elena Sinitsyna, an endocrinologist and nutritionist at the SM-Clinic, told Izvestia about the causes that could lead to an imbalance.

The imbalance between consumed and expended energy can be caused by many factors. One of the most common causes is overeating. Often people do not notice how they overeat – eating on the run, quick snacks, eating in the presence of distractions (mobile, TV, tablet) are out of control.

Sweets can also contribute to weight gain.

“A small piece of candy or a piece of chocolate has a low calorie content, but causes a sharp increase in blood glucose, and after it, insulin. After a few minutes, your glucose level drops, and you feel a characteristic desire to snack again and eat something delicious. In order not to provoke weight gain, it is important to limit the consumption of pure sugar and starches as much as possible – giving up chocolate and sweets, fruit juices and even sweetened yogurts, ”Sinitsyna emphasized.

The endocrinologist also named a high level of stress in the body among the causes of obesity. During times of stress, the body needs to respond quickly and issue ready-made solutions. Due to the production of the stress hormone (cortisol), in a stressful situation, cravings for sweets (a fast source of energy) increase, and sleep is disturbed. This is an effective tactic for the survival of the body for a short period, but under conditions of chronic stress, the body is literally exhausted and all conditions are created for a rapid increase in body weight.

Serious stress for the body, in particular, is lack of sleep and chronic sleep deprivation, as it significantly impairs biochemical processes. Trying to make up for the lack of energy, people often consume not only more coffee, but food in general, which also leads to weight gain.

Certain medications can also cause weight changes. These drugs include antidepressants, antipsychotics, hypoglycemic drugs, some antihypertensive and anabolic steroids, contraceptives.

Hormonal disorders can also be the cause of imbalance in the body. Sinitsyna added that the most common and frequent abnormalities in the hormonal system that lead to weight gain are thyroid disorders, as well as age-related hormonal disorders.

“Low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) is characterized by a severe metabolic slowdown characterized by rapid weight gain, chronic fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and an inability to get enough sleep even with plenty of sleep,” the endocrinologist explained.

Weight gain may be related to age-related hormonal changes. For example, in women during menopause, the production of female sex hormones decreases, which is accompanied by a restructuring of all metabolic processes. The average weight gain during this period is from five to seven kilograms. However, as the metabolism changes, getting rid of this weight is not always easy.

“An analogue of male menopause is an age-related decrease in testosterone levels, which leads not only to a sharp loss of muscle mass, but also provokes obesity. In this case, fat begins to be deposited on the chest, thighs and lower abdomen. Recently, I often see a decrease in testosterone levels in young men, which may be the result of a sedentary lifestyle and chronic stress, ”said Sinitsyna.

In addition to common causes, there are a number of serious diseases that cause obesity: Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome, Prader-Will syndrome, Carpenter’s syndrome.

On December 15, Elizabeth Louden, a physician at the American Center for Metabolic Health and Weight Loss, revealed that the majority of belly fat is due to a low metabolism. If you solve the problem with metabolism, you will get rid of excess weight forever. In this case, consultation with specialists is necessary.

Medications that can make you gain weight

Taking medications that your doctor prescribes for you for a particular reason may cause side effects that are not always desirable. Unfortunately, doctors do not always warn about what medications can lead to, and many would like to know what to expect from a course of medications.

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The fight against excess weight

Medications

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Migraine

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One of the most common drug side effects is weight gain. Let’s make a reservation right away – this does not happen for everyone and not always, but you can be one of those “lucky ones” who really put on weight.

We talk about drugs that can cause weight gain. We are sure that it is better to know and take some steps in advance so as not to gain weight than to accidentally discover an extra 3-5, or even 10 kg, gained over several weeks of taking the drug.

In general, it would be absolutely useful to discuss with the doctor all the possible “side effects” that the prescribed medicine can cause in order to take timely action. This, however, applies to any side effects, and not just those associated with weight. In some cases, undesirable effects are inevitable, but there are situations when their occurrence can be completely avoided or at least made less pronounced.

Steroids

Steroid preparations can be prescribed for various diseases. They make it quite easy to achieve an improvement in the condition, but the treatment is often accompanied by an undesirable effect, including insomnia, increased appetite and swelling. All this is the perfect combo for those extra pounds to literally stick in strategic places. It is important that steroids are available in different forms – these can be ointments and creams, sprays, as well as tablets. The latter just cause weight gain the most. You can reduce your chances of gaining weight by choosing the lowest possible dose for you, as well as adjusting your diet and choosing the ideal sleep pattern for you.

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Antidepressants

Many people say that you can gain weight on antidepressants. Fortunately, not everyone is gaining it, although this, of course, is quite real. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors pose the greatest danger in this regard, so if you are taking drugs whose active ingredient belongs to this class of substances, be careful.

The fact is that such drugs not only improve your mood and help you feel less depressed, but also increase your appetite. And here the connection is quite obvious: you want to eat more – you eat more – your weight increases.

If you are prone to weight gain, then discuss with your doctor in advance that you are worried about the fact that he will become more – it is likely that he will be able to choose another suitable drug for you.

Birth control pills

Oral contraceptives have many side effects, some of which are quite pleasant and desirable. But, let’s not hide, weight gain is not included in this list for everyone.

It works like this: progesterone, which is part of birth control pills, increases appetite, which causes women to eat more and gain weight. Another possible mechanism is that while taking contraceptives, the body begins to more actively retain water, and the weight also goes up because of this.

Antihistamines

Popular antihistamine-based allergy medications are most often not available by prescription. They can be prescribed by a doctor, but many people buy these drugs on their own initiative and choose the dosage on their own.

In addition to the fact that the selection of medicines still has to be done by a specialist, there is another danger. All the same kilograms that you can gain. Taking allergy medications frequently can lead to weight gain. This happens more often in women than in men. If you notice that you are really gaining weight on the background of a course of antihistamines, but at least try to change the dosage form: the spray in this case will be much less dangerous than tablets.

Blood pressure medications

Medicines prescribed for hypertension, such as beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers, also affect weight. Unfortunately, in the case of such drugs, the choice is not too rich. There is nothing to replace them and cancel, most likely, the doctor will not allow. And this means that in order to prevent gaining extra pounds, you will have to carefully monitor your lifestyle, adjust your diet and try to introduce at least a minimum of physical activity into your daily routine.

Migraine Medicines

Migraine pain is terrible and excruciating, so finding that one medicine or another really helps with these nightmarish headaches is priceless. People who suffer from migraines are often ready to go to great lengths to improve their condition, and they may not even notice such “little things” as weight gain while taking medication.

However, in any case, for those who suffer from migraines, it is important to monitor their condition, minimize or completely eliminate the influence of triggers that can provoke a migraine attack.

Can skyla cause weight gain: Do IUDs Make You Gain Weight?

IUDs and Weight Gain: Is There a Connection?

Copper IUDs

Hormonal IUDs

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Do IUDs Cause Weight Gain?

What is an IUD?

Copper IUDs

Hormonal IUDs

What are the side effects of an IUD?

Mirena side effects

IUD weight gain

What birth control doesn’t cause weight gain?

IUD weight gain FAQs

Does Mirena cause weight gain?

What should I do if I gain weight on Kyleena?

Why do people gain weight with IUDs?

Can a copper IUD make you gain weight?

Endocrinologist called the reasons for weight gain | Society news | Izvestiya

Medications that can make you gain weight

Steroids

Antidepressants

Birth control pills

Antihistamines

Blood pressure medications

Migraine Medicines

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