What are the common side effects of hormonal birth control pills?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Hormonal birth control pills commonly cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Less common effects may include spotting between periods, weight fluctuations, and decreased libido. Most side effects are mild and tend to improve within 2–3 months as your body adjusts to the hormones.

If your symptoms persist, worsen, or feel unusual, it's important not to guess what's going on. Understanding whether your symptoms are typical adjustment effects or signs of something more serious can help you make informed decisions about your health. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if side effects need care today Discover likely causes of hormonal birth control symptoms See if hormonal birth control is causing symptoms Find OTC relief for common birth control side effects Find doctors for hormonal birth control side effects Discover home remedies for birth control side effects Understand if your symptoms need urgent care

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Explanation

Hormonal birth control pills are a common method of preventing pregnancy, but they can have side effects. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, headaches, and mood changes, which many women experience when they first start taking the pill.

Common Side Effects:

Nausea: This is often mild and tends to go away after a few days or weeks.
Headaches: Some women may experience headaches, which can vary in intensity.
Mood Changes: Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings or feelings of depression.

Other Considerations:

Breast Tenderness: Some women may notice their breasts feel more tender.
Spotting: Light bleeding between periods can occur, especially in the first few months.

These side effects are generally mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the hormones. If side effects persist or become bothersome, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before consulting a healthcare provider for guidance.

(References)

Dragoman MV. (2014). The combined oral contraceptive pill. Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology, 25028259.
Rosenberg MJ, Waugh MS, & Meehan TE. (1995). risk indicators for poor pill taking and discontinuation. Contraception, 7628201.
Darney PD. (1997). OC practice guidelines: minimizing side effects. International journal of fertility and women's medicine, 9168375.

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