Yaz Birth Control Side Effects

Yaz, a birth control pill, is a hormonal method of preventing pregnancy. Side effects of the contraceptive pill are common, and they vary from person to person.   

What is Yaz?

Yaz belongs to a group of hormonal contraceptives. The 28-day pack contains 24 hormonal tablets, each with drospirenone and 0.02 mg Ethinyl estradiol, plus four inactive tablets. The combination oral contraceptive act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary mode of action of inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus which almost restrict the sperm entry into the uterus. It also causes changes in the endometrium which reduces the likelihood of implantation.

Yaz is a combination of two hormones, estrogen and progestin. It is given to prevent pregnancy in women. The contraceptive pill may also be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or moderate acne if you have chosen to use contraceptive pills as your method of pregnancy prevention. Besides being utilized as a method of pregnancy prevention, Yaz tablet may make your periods more regular decrease painful periods, blood loss, as well as the risk of ovarian cysts. Using a contraceptive pill will not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Side Effects of Yaz

The side effects of birth control pills vary widely among individuals, and different pills cause different adverse effects. Some commonly reported side effects include nausea, headaches, spotting, and breast tenderness.  

1. Nausea – Some women experience mild nausea when they first take medicine, but this usually resolves within a few days. Taking the contraceptive pill with food or at bedtime may help reduce nausea. The contraceptive pill should not make people feel sick all the time. If nausea lasts for a few months, it is best to discuss it with your doctor.  

1. Spotting between periods – Spotting is when vaginal bleeding occurs between menstrual cycles. It may appear as light bleeding or brown discharge. Spotting is the most common side effect associated with using a contraceptive pill. It happens because the body is adjusting to hormone fluctuations that occurred due to the intake of contraceptive pills and the uterus is adjusting to having a thinner lining. It is recommended to take the pill usually every day simultaneously each day as it helps prevent bleeding between periods.

1. Headaches – The combination of hormones in the birth control pills can cause or increase the frequency of headaches. Changes in the female sex hormone such as estrogen and progesterone can cause migraine. Symptoms usually depend on the dosage and type of pill. In general, a low dose pill is less likely to cause this symptom. And, if the person’s migraine is associated with premenstrual syndrome, taking the contraceptive pill may reduce the symptoms.

1. Breast tenderness– Birth control pills often cause breast tenderness, especially soon after a woman starts taking them. Wearing a supportive bra can decrease breast tenderness. Besides an increased breast sensitivity, the hormone in the pill increases the breast’s size as well. A woman should discuss severe breast pain or other breast changes with their doctor, especially a lump in the breast.   
2. Decreased libido- The contraceptive pill can affect a person’s sex drive. This is majorly due to hormonal changes.

Other severe side effects of Yaz include fluid retention, dark patches of the skin, bloating, depression, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood sugar, and bloating. If these signs and symptoms do not resolve within a few weeks or become bothersome, contact your doctor to see if another oral birth control pill may work better for you. High sugar and depression can become life-threatening, as can any fluid retention severe enough to cause shortness of breath.

The combined use of Yaz and certain other medications can cause excessively high potassium levels. The condition is termed hyperkalemia. Symptoms of hyperkalemia range from vomiting heart palpitations to chest pain and respiratory discomfort.

To reduce the problem, doctors will need to closely monitor the potassium level in the bloodstream for at least the first month of treatment if you take certain other medications. Talk to your doctor for information.

The Verdict

Like all medicines, contraceptive pills such as Yaz can have side effects. But most of them usually disappear after a few days. Many women use the birth control pill with no issues at all. You can keep track of any side effects and discuss them with your doctor.