Can Skyla IUD cause weight gain. Is weight gain a common side effect of hormonal IUDs. How does Skyla compare to other birth control methods in terms of weight changes. What factors may contribute to weight fluctuations with IUDs.

Understanding Skyla IUD: A Hormonal Contraceptive Option

Skyla is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that offers long-term, reversible contraception. As a smaller version of the popular Mirena IUD, Skyla is designed to be used for up to 3 years. It releases a low dose of the hormone levonorgestrel directly into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Many women considering Skyla as a birth control option have concerns about potential side effects, with weight gain being a common worry. To address these concerns, it’s important to examine the scientific evidence and separate fact from fiction when it comes to Skyla and weight changes.

The Truth About IUDs and Weight Gain

Contrary to popular belief, there is no substantial evidence linking IUD use to significant weight gain. This applies to both hormonal IUDs like Skyla and non-hormonal copper IUDs. According to Dr. Henry Dorn, an experienced OB/GYN, weight gain is generally not an issue with IUDs.

Studies have shown that less than 5% of IUD users experience any weight gain, and when it does occur, it’s usually minor and often attributed to water retention. The localized release of hormones in devices like Skyla means that very little enters the systemic circulation, minimizing potential effects on weight.

What Does the Research Say?

• A 2013 study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that women using implants and shots were more likely to report weight gain compared to those using copper IUDs.
• Weight gain is not listed as a common side effect in the official prescribing information for Skyla or other hormonal IUDs.
• Large-scale studies have failed to demonstrate a causal link between IUD use and significant weight changes.

Factors That May Contribute to Perceived Weight Gain

While IUDs themselves are unlikely to cause substantial weight gain, there are several factors that might contribute to weight fluctuations coinciding with IUD use:

1. Natural body changes: If you get an IUD inserted during your late teens or early twenties, you may experience normal weight gain associated with reaching full physical maturity.
2. Lifestyle changes: Starting a new form of birth control may coincide with other life changes that affect weight, such as changes in diet, exercise habits, or stress levels.
3. Water retention: Some women may experience minor fluid retention, especially in the first few months after insertion.
4. Hormonal adjustments: While the hormonal effects of Skyla are primarily localized, some women may be more sensitive to even small hormonal changes.

Comparing Skyla to Other Birth Control Methods

When considering birth control options, it’s natural to compare potential side effects. How does Skyla stack up against other methods in terms of weight changes?

• Birth control pills: Some combined oral contraceptives have been associated with slight weight gain in some users, though this is often due to fluid retention rather than fat gain.
• Depo-Provera injection: This method has been more consistently linked to weight gain in some studies.
• Copper IUDs: These non-hormonal devices are not associated with weight gain.
• Implants: Like IUDs, contraceptive implants are not strongly linked to weight gain, though some users report changes.

Overall, hormonal IUDs like Skyla are considered to have minimal impact on weight compared to other hormonal contraceptives.

Benefits of Skyla Beyond Contraception

While weight concerns are valid, it’s important to consider the numerous benefits Skyla and other hormonal IUDs can offer:

• Lighter periods: Many users experience significantly lighter menstrual flow, which can be especially beneficial for those with heavy periods.
• Reduced menstrual pain: The hormonal effects can help alleviate cramping and discomfort associated with periods.
• Long-term, reversible contraception: Skyla provides up to 3 years of highly effective birth control that can be easily reversed when desired.
• Low maintenance: Once inserted, Skyla requires no daily attention, making it an convenient option for many women.

Addressing Concerns: What to Do If You Notice Weight Changes

If you’re using Skyla and have concerns about weight changes, consider the following steps:

1. Track your weight: Keep a log of your weight over time to identify any significant trends.
2. Assess your lifestyle: Evaluate any changes in diet, exercise, or stress levels that may be contributing to weight fluctuations.
3. Consult your healthcare provider: If you’re experiencing unexpected weight gain, discuss your concerns with your doctor. They can help determine if the IUD is a contributing factor or if other issues need to be addressed.
4. Consider alternatives: If you’re unhappy with Skyla, remember that there are many other contraceptive options available. Your healthcare provider can help you explore alternatives that may better suit your needs and concerns.

Making an Informed Decision About Skyla

When considering Skyla or any form of birth control, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against possible side effects. While weight gain is a common concern, the scientific evidence suggests that significant weight changes are unlikely with Skyla and other IUDs.

How can you make the best decision for your reproductive health? Here are some key steps:

• Consult with a healthcare professional: Discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and concerns to determine if Skyla is a good fit for you.
• Consider your priorities: Think about what factors are most important to you in a birth control method (e.g., effectiveness, convenience, potential side effects).
• Stay informed: Keep up with the latest research and recommendations from reputable medical organizations.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel and any changes you notice after starting Skyla or any new contraceptive method.

Debunking Common Myths About Skyla and Weight Gain

There are several misconceptions about Skyla and weight gain that persist despite lack of scientific evidence. Let’s address some of these myths:

Myth 1: Skyla always causes weight gain

Reality: As discussed earlier, significant weight gain is not a common side effect of Skyla or other IUDs. While some women may experience minor fluctuations, most users do not report notable weight changes.

Myth 2: Hormonal IUDs like Skyla affect your whole body

Reality: Skyla releases a very low dose of hormones directly into the uterus. The systemic absorption is minimal compared to other hormonal contraceptives, which is why side effects tend to be localized.

Myth 3: If you gain weight with Skyla, it’s permanent

Reality: Any weight changes associated with Skyla are typically minor and reversible. If you do experience unwanted weight gain, it should resolve after removal of the device.

Myth 4: Skyla causes more weight gain than other birth control methods

Reality: Studies have shown that IUDs, including Skyla, are less likely to cause weight gain compared to some other hormonal contraceptives like the injection or certain pills.

By understanding these facts, women can make more informed decisions about their contraceptive choices without undue fear of weight gain.

The Importance of Individualized Care in Contraceptive Choices

While general statistics and studies provide valuable information, it’s crucial to remember that every woman’s experience with birth control can be different. What works well for one person may not be ideal for another.

How can you ensure you’re getting the best contraceptive care? Consider these factors:

• Open communication with your healthcare provider: Be honest about your concerns, experiences, and preferences.
• Regular check-ups: Schedule follow-up appointments to discuss how you’re adapting to Skyla or any new birth control method.
• Holistic health approach: Consider how your contraceptive choice fits into your overall health and lifestyle goals.
• Patience and monitoring: Give your body time to adjust to Skyla, typically a few months, while keeping track of any changes you notice.

Remember, the goal is to find a contraceptive method that not only prevents pregnancy effectively but also aligns with your personal health needs and lifestyle.

Navigating Potential Side Effects of Skyla

While weight gain is often a primary concern, it’s important to be aware of other potential side effects of Skyla. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision and know what to expect:

Common Side Effects

• Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns (often lighter periods)
• Cramping or pelvic pain, especially during the first few weeks after insertion
• Headaches
• Acne or other skin changes
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Perforation of the uterus (very rare)
• Expulsion of the IUD

How can you manage potential side effects? Here are some strategies:

1. Keep a symptom diary to track any changes you notice
2. Use over-the-counter pain relievers for cramping or discomfort
3. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider about any concerns
4. Be patient, as many side effects improve over time as your body adjusts

Remember, while side effects are possible, many women experience no significant issues with Skyla and find it to be an effective and convenient form of contraception.

The Future of Contraception: Skyla and Beyond

As medical science advances, we can expect to see continued improvements in contraceptive technology. How might this affect options like Skyla in the future?

• More personalized contraceptive options based on individual hormone profiles
• Improved drug delivery systems for even more localized hormone release
• Integration of contraceptive devices with health monitoring technology
• Development of non-hormonal alternatives with similar efficacy to hormonal IUDs

While Skyla represents a current advancement in IUD technology, ongoing research promises to bring even more refined and tailored contraceptive solutions in the years to come.

As we look to the future of contraception, it’s important to stay informed about new developments and continue to have open discussions with healthcare providers about the best options for individual needs and preferences.

Weight Gain Not a Side Effect of IUD

Written by Janie McQueen

Medically Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on December 20, 2020

• Weight Gain Not Listed as IUD Side Effect
• Other Things Can Bring Weight Gain
• IUDs Can Help With Other Conditions

When it’s time to choose a birth control method, it’s common to wonder: Will it make me gain weight? The mere notion that a contraceptive can bring on extra pounds is a deal breaker for many users.

Sometimes this fear can extend to IUDs, also known as intrauterine devices. But there’s no evidence these small T-shaped devices, which a doctor inserts into your uterus to prevent pregnancy long-term, will make you get heavier.

“My experience is completely that weight gain is not an issue with [IUDs],” says Henry Dorn, MD, an OB/GYN in private practice in High Point, NC. “The studies basically show that there’s less than 5% [of IUD users] who show any weight gain, and it’s generally a little water weight. ”

Even with hormonal IUDs like Mirena, which emit progestin, so little of the hormone gets into your system that any effects on weight are minor, he says.

The progestin in hormonal IUDs thickens the mucus in your cervix to block sperm from reaching an egg. It also thins the lining of your uterus so it’s harder for any sperm that does get through to implant. The device can work and remain in the uterus for 3 to 6 years. A copper IUD uses the metal’s properties instead of hormones to stop most sperm and prevent any that get by from implanting. This type of IUD can stay in your uterus (and keep working) for much longer, up to 10 years.

The IUD is a LARC, which stands for long-acting reversible contraception. Like birth control implants, the matchstick-sized rods a doctor inserts into your upper arm, the IUD works really well. Fewer than one in 100 users of either method will get pregnant in the first year.

Both IUD types work about equally well to prevent pregnancy. They can cause similar, minor side effects for some people, Dorn says, like headaches and changes to your skin, hair, or mood. You might have heavier periods on the copper IUD.

Lists of possible IUD side effects don’t include weight gain. Also, a 2013 study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reported that among LARC users, women who used implants and shots were more likely to report weight gain than those who used copper IUDs.

According to the ACOG, LARC methods work 20 times better than birth control pills; the patch, which releases hormones through the skin; or the vaginal ring, which you need to replace every month.

“There is no perfect birth control,” Dorn notes, “but [IUDs] are the best we’ve got.”

It also might be the easiest. “It takes 30 seconds to put in, and 5 seconds to take out,” he says.

Even when people report weight gain, Dorn says it’s important to think about other factors that might play a role. Sometimes it’s merely your stage of life. For example, if you start using an IUD before your body fully matures, you might think normal body changes result from the IUD.

“A lot of it is timing. A lot of it is, it coincides with the normal weight gain of maturity,” Dorn says.

You can stop the birth control as easily as you start it, too. If you decide you want to get pregnant, or otherwise don’t want to use the method anymore, you only have to go to your doctor or other medical professional to have it removed.

Dorn also prescribes the IUD as treatment for women who have heavy periods. He cites the number of sanitary pads used as a measure. If you have an IUD, you might have to use 2 to 3 pads less per day during your period, he says.

If you want an IUD, a board-certified OB/GYN, certified nurse midwife, or family doctor is your best choice. “Experienced practitioners do better placing them than less experienced,” Dorn says. For example, if someone has a “tilted” uterus, which slants backward instead of forward, a highly skilled doctor needs to insert the IUD.

But such a condition is rare, so don’t let finding a health professional stop you. Check out medical clinics in your area. And while IUDs should be covered by insurance or Medicaid, Dorn says, cost shouldn’t be a barrier either. Clinics often offer a sliding payment scale. “Almost nobody has to pay full price,” he says, which is about $750.

If you’re done having children, Dorn says the best type of birth control is to have the male partner get a vasectomy. “A vasectomy has a zero weight gain for women,” he says.

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Skyla anxieties about weight gain and acne

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Hello all —

I’m a long-time lurker in this community and have appreciated so many of your posts. I got the Skyla IUD three weeks ago (after having two Paragard IUDs, one for 13 months, one for nine months, both removed due to pain). I wanted to get another Paragard to try again, but the insertion failed — my uterus expelled the Paragard immediately and the NP advised a Skyla instead since it’s smaller and my uterus is barely big enough for an IUD to begin with. But now I feel anxious about the Skyla all the time — that it will make me gain weight (I have been bloated for three weeks since insertion, which is doing a number on my self esteem and triggering old anxieties I had about weight connected to a teenage eating disorder) or break me out (I already have hormonal breakouts, and they’ve been worse since the Skyla and not going away mid-cycle) and the texture of my skin has changed. My whole face itches terribly and my skin looks slightly inflamed. I also had migraines every day for the first two weeks, as well as heavy bleeding alternating with unrelenting spotting.

And I’m worried about hair loss or changing my metabolism long-term (even if I get the Skyla removed) or ruining my skin for months (or permanently). I’m not sure how to calm down about it. I realize that the majority of stories about IUDs that end up online are going to be negative, what wasn’t working, etc. But I have a few questions —

– If you did gain weight on Skyla/Jaydess, were you able to lose the weight quickly/easily once Skyla was removed? Were you unable to lose the weight gained?
– If you did break out more than usual on Skyla, how long did it take your skin to recover?

I’ve had a lot of bad luck with birth control. I’ve tried just about every kind of HBC pill and had migraines, vomiting, racing heart, etc. Paragard was painful, but at least I didn’t worry about side effects from hormones.

• archangelbeth : (no subject) [+0]
• farrowing : (no subject) [+2]
• Shanice Marie : SKYLA [+0]
• Jessica Baker : Skyla Removed. . [+0]

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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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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.