When Do the Effects of Birth Control Start Happening?

Published July 24, 2010

Question by Jessie V: When do the effects of birth control start happening?
When do the side effects of birth control start taking place. I swear I just started taking birth control for the first time yesterday and already today I feel different. Like I don’t really have an appetite, which they said could be one of the side effects. Does it work that fast as far as the side effects go?

Best answer:

Answer by Brittany
Yeah, you can start feeling side effects not long after you take your first pill.. as little as a couple of hours even.

When I began taking mine (Loestrin 24), I had a noticeably increased appetite. I’ve actually gained 5 pounds since I began taking it about 3 weeks ago. My birth control has even made me experience acne for the first time in my life. I had to order Proactiv because I was breaking out horribly.

Don’t worry about your side effects now though. It can take up to three months for your body to get completely used to the hormones. Try your best to hang in there, and if things don’t get better in three months ask your gynecologist to let you try a different brand.

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