Does Vestura Cause Weight Gain? The Truth About Drospirenone and Weight Changes

Does Vestura Cause Weight Gain?

Vestura is a popular brand of birth control pill that contains a progestin called drospirenone and a low dose of estrogen. Some women who take Vestura or other drospirenone-containing birth control pills like Yaz and Yasmin have reported weight gain as a side effect.

Weight gain is a complex issue with many contributing factors. While some women do appear to gain weight on Vestura and similar birth control pills, the evidence that these pills directly cause weight gain is inconclusive. Here's a deeper look at the research on Vestura and weight gain.

How Vestura Works

Vestura is a combination birth control pill containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. It works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching an egg, and thinning the uterine lining to discourage implantation.

Drospirenone is a newer, fourth-generation progestin. It's similar chemically to spironolactone, a diuretic or "water pill" that's sometimes prescribed for conditions like PCOS and fluid retention. Drospirenone has mild diuretic effects as well.

Each active Vestura pill contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol, a semi-synthetic form of estrogen. Vestura comes in 24 active pills and 4 inactive (placebo) pills.

Does Drospirenone Increase Weight?

Some women report gaining weight after starting Vestura or other drospirenone birth control pills like Yaz and Yasmin. There are a few theories as to why this might occur:

Fluid retention - Drospirenone has mild diuretic effects, which could lead to slight increases in water weight.
Increased appetite - Some progestins may increase appetite, leading to increased calorie intake.
Fat accumulation - Estrogen may cause fat to deposit in the hips, thighs, and breasts.

However, it's important to note that weight gain has been reported with birth control pills containing many different types of synthetic progestins. So drospirenone itself does not appear to be directly causing weight gain.

Does Vestura Make You Gain Weight?

While some Vestura users report gaining weight, the current research on drospirenone and weight gain is mixed and inconclusive:

A 2012 review found no evidence that birth control pills containing drospirenone had different effects on weight than pills with other progestins.
A 2016 study found women's weight and body composition did not change significantly after 6 or 12 cycles on drospirenone birth control pills.
However, a 2010 study found that mean weight gain after 1 year was higher in women taking drospirenone vs levonorgestrel birth control pills (4.0 kg vs 1.3 kg on average).

Overall, some women do appear to gain weight after starting Vestura or other drospirenone birth controls. But it's difficult to say whether the pills are directly causing excess weight gain or if other factors are involved.

Other Vestura Side Effects

While Vestura may or may not cause weight gain, some women do experience other side effects while taking this birth control pill:

Irregular bleeding - Spotting between periods is especially common in the first few months.
Breast tenderness - Swelling and discomfort may occur.
Nausea - Feeling queasy is most common when first starting Vestura.
Headaches - Can be temporary or persistent over time.
Mood changes - Some women report depression, anxiety, or emotional instability.

Most of these side effects are mild and tend to resolve within a few months. But let your doctor know if any symptoms are intolerable for you.

Tips to Avoid Weight Gain on Vestura

While the link between Vestura and weight gain isn't clear cut, these healthy tips can help minimize any possible weight fluctuations:

Choose nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Drink lots of water to counter fluid retention.
Engage in regular exercise to build muscle and burn extra calories.
Limit consumption of added sugars, processed carbs, and fried foods.
Weigh yourself weekly so you can address any weight gains early.
Get enough sleep and learn to manage stress well.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following while taking Vestura:

Sudden weight gain of 5+ pounds in a month
Severe headaches, chest pain, or vision issues
Jaundice - yellowing skin or eyes
Severe depression or emotional changes
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by nausea/vomiting

Rapid weight gain or any concerning symptoms should be evaluated promptly to determine if they may be related to Vestura use.

Going Off Vestura - What to Expect

If you decide to stop taking Vestura birth control pills, be aware that some side effects or changes can occur as your body adjusts.

Some things to expect when transitioning off Vestura include:

Menstrual changes - Your period will likely become irregular again at first.
Loss of pregnancy protection - Use condoms if you want to prevent pregnancy.
Altered mood - You may experience mood swings or emotional changes.
Different PMS symptoms - Bloating, breast tenderness, or acne may recur.
Weight fluctuations - You may lose or gain some weight.

These effects are temporary and should resolve within a few menstrual cycles. But the transition can take some getting used to.

Stopping Vestura Safely

To transition off Vestura with minimal side effects, follow these tips:

Consult your doctor about the right time to stop.
Finish all active pills before stopping mid-pack.
Use another contraceptive method for 1-2 months.
Expect irregular bleeding and PMS at first.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for cramps.
Practice healthy habits to stabilize any weight changes.

Skipping inactive pills or not finishing your pill pack can increase bleeding between packs. So take Vestura as directed when discontinuing use.

How Long Does It Take to Adjust?

Most women start feeling like their normal selves again within 1-3 months of their last Vestura pill. But the duration depends on the individual and factors like:

How long you took Vestura
Your age and reproductive stage
Your typical menstrual cycle length and flow
Your general health and lifestyle habits

It can take teenagers and perimenopausal women longer to regulate their cycles again after stopping Vestura. Be patient with your body during this transition.

Can You Get Pregnant Right Away?

Yes, you can get pregnant immediately if you stop taking Vestura birth control pills. Ovulation and fertility return very quickly after discontinuing hormonal contraception.

It's possible to ovulate as soon as 2-4 weeks after taking your last Vestura pill. Use condoms or another backup method if you want to prevent pregnancy during this transition.

Long-Term Effects of Stopping Vestura

Will going off Vestura change your body permanently? Here's an overview of the long-term effects:

Fertility - Your fertility should return to normal within 1-3 cycles off Vestura.
Weight - Any weight fluctuations usually stabilize within 6 months.
Skin and hair - Increased oils may lead to new breakouts or hair changes.
Periods - Flow and PMS may be heavier/worse than on Vestura.
Mood - Emotional adjustment takes time, but mood usually improves.

Your individual response depends on factors like age, health status, diet, exercise, stress, and more. But most women can expect to feel like themselves again several months post-Vestura.

Does Vestura Change Your Body Permanently?

Vestura does lead to some temporary body changes while you take it - like lighter, less painful periods and clearer skin. But going off Vestura reverses these effects.

There are no known permanent changes to the body from taking Vestura or other birth control pills. Your reproductive system should return to its natural pre-Vestura state within several menstrual cycles.

Effects on Fertility and Getting Pregnant

Vestura and other combined hormonal contraceptives are considered short-acting and reversible. They do not appear to have any lasting impacts on a woman's future fertility or ability to conceive.

In fact, some research suggests taking birth control pills for more than 1 year provides a protective effect. It may temporarily boost fertility for about 3-6 months after stopping.

There is no evidence that ever using Vestura will make it harder to get pregnant when you stop taking it. Most women are able to conceive within a year off Vestura if they do not have any underlying fertility issues.

Long-Term Weight Changes

Some women find it hard to lose the extra weight they gained while taking Vestura or other birth control pills. But any significant weight changes you experience on Vestura tend to stabilize within 6-12 months of discontinuing it.

Your post-Vestura weight is more dependent on your diet, activity levels, metabolic health, and hormone balance. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help get your weight back on track.

Alternatives to Vestura Pills

If you are concerned about side effects like weight gain on Vestura, other birth control options to consider include:

Progestin-only pill - Contains no estrogen, less likely to cause weight gain.
Copper IUD - Hormone-free, can be left in place for years.
Implant - Progestin implant lasts 3 years.
Ring - Vaginal ring with estrogen/progestin.
Patch - Only need to change weekly.
Natural family planning - Track ovulation cycles instead.

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of different contraceptives. An alternative that fits your needs and lifestyle may be available.

The Bottom Line

Some women do appear to gain weight after starting birth control pills containing drospirenone, like Vestura. But studies have found mixed results regarding drospirenone and weight gain.

Other factors like diet, activity levels, genetics, or water retention are likely involved. There is no conclusive evidence that Vestura or other drospirenone birth controls directly cause excess weight gain in most women.

Talk to your doctor if you experience significant weight fluctuations or other troublesome side effects on Vestura. An alternative birth control method may be a better option if the pill is affecting your quality of life.

FAQs

Does Vestura cause weight gain in most women?

Some women do report gaining weight on Vestura, but studies show mixed results. There is no conclusive evidence that Vestura directly causes significant weight gain in most users.

How much weight do women gain on Vestura?

Estimated average weight gain on Vestura ranges from about 1-5 pounds in studies. But individual experiences vary greatly, with some women reporting no weight changes.

How long does it take to lose weight after stopping Vestura?

It typically takes around 6-12 months after discontinuing Vestura for any weight fluctuations to stabilize. Following a healthy diet and exercise routine can help get your weight back on track.

Do all birth control pills cause weight gain?

No, weight gain is not a given with birth control pills. Those containing drospirenone, like Vestura, seem more likely to cause weight changes. But studies are inconclusive if the pills directly cause excess weight gain.

What birth control does not cause weight gain?

The copper IUD, mini-pill, implant, ring, patch, and natural family planning are less likely to cause weight gain than combination estrogen/progestin pills. But every woman responds differently to hormones.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

Does Vestura Cause Weight Gain? The Truth About Drospirenone and Weight Changes