A very common question in the weightlifting community is whether using birth control gets in the way of your goals, whether that’s fat loss, muscle growth, or performance.
What I’m about to say isn’t a rule for everyone. You should always discuss any important concerns with your gynecologist.
Before talking about the relationship between birth control pills, weight loss, and muscle growth, we need to understand their role in the body.
In this article, we’ll talk about using birth control when you work out. Does it get in the way of your goals, after all?
How birth control works
The birth control pill is one of the most commonly used contraceptive methods for women.
However, long-term use can cause several physical and mental health problems. But did you know that it can also hinder muscle growth?
When the body stops producing hormones, your workouts may ultimately suffer as a result. In addition to affecting weight gain, lowering testosterone in the body can have other negative effects.
For example, increased fat gain, decreased bone mass, sagging skin, and fat accumulation.
Birth control and fat loss
There is no evidence that birth control pills actually interfere with weight loss.
However, in general, this method of contraception inhibits the production of the male hormone testosterone.
Birth control pills act like artificial hormones in the body. They are generally made up of ethinyl estradiol, a derivative of the body’s main natural estrogen.
Birth control and muscle growth
Women’s hormonal metabolism is much more complicated than men’s, so the process of building muscle is very complicated.
When women take birth control pills made with synthetic hormones, these bind to serum albumin much more than to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and they increase SHBG production.
Since the amount of SHBG is much greater than what is needed to transport the sex hormones produced by the body, almost all testosterone binds to SHBG, leaving only a small amount of free testosterone (the active form of testosterone).
This low level of free testosterone, even if total testosterone is normal, can cause symptoms of testosterone deficiency, such as greater difficulty building muscle, an increased likelihood of fat and water retention, low libido, and a greater likelihood of physical and mental fatigue.
How can you reduce these effects?
First of all, it’s important to understand that everyone’s body is different, which means the role of hormones varies from person to person.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult a gynecologist you trust, so they can assess your situation more safely and recommend the right steps for you.
The most practical way to keep the side effects of birth control from affecting your training is to use other contraceptive methods that don’t interfere with your body’s hormones, such as condoms and IUDs (intrauterine devices).
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of using medication and always seek help from medical professionals in the field.
Also, it’s important to remember that the birth control pill isn’t the “villain” of the story.
After all, the birth control pill can provide powerful protection against unintended pregnancy, acne, premenstrual syndrome, and even ovarian cysts.
Conclusion
Whether or not you use hormones in your life, a healthy diet and regular physical activity are essential. Always.
In addition to weight loss for aesthetic reasons, exercise can also help you improve every aspect of your health and well-being.
For example, working out before your period can be very helpful for relieving emotional tension caused by hormonal changes and pelvic pain caused by uterine contractions.
When we develop the habit of exercising, we can reduce daily stress, lower the risk of various illnesses, improve our ability to carry out everyday activities, reduce pain, and feel happier.
As I’ve said before… being a woman can’t be easy… getting your period every month, suffering beforehand because of PMS, suffering during your period from cramps, and then getting angry afterward because you know it’s all going to happen again in 28 days, waxing your bikini line, plucking every single hair to shape your eyebrows…
But one thing is certain: A man is nothing without a woman… Not even a cuckold… lol
Did you enjoy this article about birth control and muscle growth? Keep following our blog and #VEMPROTREINO.
