Microgynon 30, Rigevidon, Logynon and weight gain
Microgynon 30, Rigevidon, Logynon are all combined pills which contain the same synthetic version of oestrogen and progesterone - ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel respectively. Because each pill contains levonorgestrel, they are all second generation pills.
Second generation pills like Microgynon 30, Rigevidon and Logynon are less likely to cause certain side effects including heavy bleeding, breast fullness, headaches, fluid retention, tiredness, irritability, nausea and bloating.
Like we’ve mentioned earlier, the second generation of oral contraceptives has a lower risk of VTE compared to the next generations. However, it’s worth remembering that all medications have the ability to cause side effects, including changes to weight and size.
Studies looking at combined contraceptives which have 30mcg ethihylestradiol and 150mcg levonorgestrel (same as Microgynon 30, Rigevidon and Logynon) found no significant link between weight gain and use of these birth control pills. But, of course, everyone reacts to medication differently, and some of the people involved in these trials reported weight gain.
For example, some women who take Microgynon 30 do notice weight gain or changes to their appetite. There are currently no specific studies on Microgynon and weight gain.
Rigevidon is one of the most affordable pills for the NHS to provide, so a lot of women use it. But side effects have been reported with the use of it, including changes in weight. If you’re taking Rigevidon and weight gain is something you notice, or you experience any other side effects you’re not comfortable with, talk to your doctor about switching.
Studies on the Logynon pill and weight loss, or weight gain, are limited. On the Logynon patient information leaflet, weight gain is listed as a common side effect - affecting 1 in 100 women. However, fluid retention is also listed as a side effect which can impact weight and our perception of it.
Mercilon, Gedarel and weight gain
Mercilon and Gedarel both contain 20mcg or 30mcg ethinyl estradiol and 150mcg desogestrel. Desogestrel is a synthetic progesterone used in third generation pills. This means Mercilon and Gedarel were created to try and reduce certain side effects associated with second generation pills.
When it comes to weight changes, a study with 445 participants who took 20mcg ethinyl estradiol and 150mcg desogestrel (same active ingredients as in Mercilon and Gedarel) found that 79% either lost more than two kg of weight or didn’t gain weight during the study.
But there aren’t any specific studies on Mercilon and weight gain. Common side effects associated with Mercilon include tender breasts, discharge, reduced acne, headaches and vaginal dryness.
What about Gedarel and weight gain? Weight gain is listed as a side effect on the Gedarel patient information leaflet, but weight may also naturally fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. If you do experience uncomfortable side effects, discuss switching the pill with your doctor or prescriber.
Dretine, Yasmin and weight gain
Dretine and Yasmin are both combined oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. This makes them fourth generation pills. They’ll often be prescribed if you’ve tried other pills and have experienced side effects.
The Dretine pill and weight gain as a side effect have not been largely studied. Yasmin, in effect, is the same drug as Dretine and Yasmin has not been associated with weight gain. During clinical trials, the majority of women who used Yasmin for up to two years were able to maintain their weight within a range of plus or minus two kilograms from their starting weight.popover id=ref16]
Yasmin and weight loss may be linked, however. When Yasmin was first introduced, it was heralded as a pill that could reduce the risk of certain side effects including weight gain, headaches and mood swings. The creators of Yasmin claimed it could help you lose weight as well.
