Do Birth Control Pills Cause You to Retain Water?

Many women wonder whether birth control pills will make you retain water. Because birth control pills change the balance of hormones in a woman's body, they can cause some water retention. There are, however, lifestyle changes that a woman can make to manage these effects.

Water Retention

• Birth control pills contain various levels of estrogen, and estrogen can cause fat cells to retain more water. According to the Mayo Clinic, women may feel bloated in their breasts, hips and thighs. Many women automatically assume this is weight gain, and that's why you often hear that birth control pills cause women to put on weight. Weight gained due to water retention is temporary, though.

Choose Wisely

• One way to avoid water retention while on the pill is to choose a pill with a lower dose of estrogen. Yasmin and Alesse are examples of low-estrogen birth control pills on the market. However, you should be aware that you may be at greater risk of spotting between periods when on a low-estrogen birth control pill.

Lifestyle Changes

• You can also manage water retention with the choices you make in your daily life. Choose foods that are low in sodium. Be aware that restaurant food and many frozen prepared entrees are loaded with sodium. Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, and choose foods that have been processed as little as possible. Stay active, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.