Feeling unusually tired since starting birth control is a concern many individuals experience. While hormonal contraception is highly effective for preventing pregnancy and managing various reproductive health conditions, some users report experiencing fatigue or increased sleepiness as a side effect. Research on this connection can be conflicting, yet it remains a valid experience for many. Understanding the potential reasons behind this tiredness can help clarify how hormonal changes may influence energy levels.
How Birth Control Hormones Can Affect Sleep
Hormonal birth control methods contain synthetic versions of hormones, primarily progestins, which are similar to the body’s natural progesterone. Progesterone, both natural and synthetic, has known sedative properties that can influence the central nervous system. This hormone and its metabolites, such as allopregnanolone, interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. By enhancing the activity of these GABA receptors, progesterone can promote relaxation and induce sleepiness.
Oral forms of progesterone are particularly noted for these sedative effects because of how they are metabolized in the liver, which produces a large quantity of sedative and hypnotic metabolites. This mechanism is similar to how some anti-anxiety medications work, leading to increased drowsiness.
Different Birth Control Types and Sleepiness
The likelihood of experiencing sleepiness can vary among different types of hormonal birth control. Combined oral contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin, while progestin-only methods, such as the mini-pill, contraceptive injection, or implant, contain only progestin. Some studies suggest that progestin-only contraceptives might be more associated with reported sleep problems or daytime sleepiness compared to combined hormonal birth control. Higher doses of hormones in any contraceptive method are more likely to contribute to side effects like fatigue.
Fatigue is a potential side effect listed for various hormonal birth control options, including oral contraceptive pills, vaginal rings, and the subdermal implant (Nexplanon). Non-hormonal birth control methods, such as copper IUDs or barrier methods, do not alter hormone levels and are therefore less likely to cause tiredness. If sleepiness is a concern, discussing different hormonal profiles and dosages with a healthcare provider can help in choosing a suitable method.
Other Reasons for Feeling Sleepy
While birth control can be a factor, many other common reasons can contribute to feelings of sleepiness and fatigue. Lifestyle habits play a significant role, including insufficient or poor-quality sleep, high stress levels, and an unbalanced diet. Dehydration and a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to reduced energy. Excessive alcohol consumption or the use of certain recreational drugs can disrupt sleep patterns and cause daytime tiredness.
Several medical conditions frequently cause fatigue. These include anemia, which results from a lack of healthy red blood cells, and thyroid disorders, where the thyroid gland is either underactive or overactive. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety often manifest with fatigue as a primary symptom. Sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, various infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease can all lead to persistent tiredness. Certain other medications, including some antidepressants or blood pressure drugs, may also list drowsiness as a side effect.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing persistent or severe sleepiness while on birth control, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. This is particularly important if the fatigue significantly impacts your daily activities or does not improve after a few months of starting a new birth control method. Your body often needs time to adjust to hormonal changes, with initial side effects potentially subsiding within the first three months.
Seeking medical advice is also recommended if your sleepiness is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as significant mood swings, persistent headaches, unexplained weight changes, or chest pain. A healthcare professional can help determine if the fatigue is related to your birth control, an underlying medical condition, or other lifestyle factors. They can also discuss alternative birth control options or adjustments to your current method to find a solution that supports your overall well-being.