Retaining Water from the Pill

Updated on June 26, 2009
E.M. asks from Chicago, IL
6 answers

I have a 7-week old baby and just began taking birth control pills again. I am retaining water, which is particularly frustrating b/c I am trying to lose my pregnancy weight. I am considering calling my doctor to see if there is another brand that does not have this side effect (I take Trinessa), but I’ve read that this happens with all brands.

I should mention that I was on the same brand prior to getting pregnant and didn’t notice water retention. However, at that time I did have some trouble maintaining my weight – which I attributed to getting older (I’m 38) and my switch from working to staying at home with my now 2-yr. old. So maybe I had the same problem and didn't realize it.

I also read that the water retention only happens when first taking the pill. Is that true? Will this resolve itself after my body becomes accustomed to the pill again?

Does anyone have any advice on how to reduce this type of water retention? My diet is very good – not too much salt and lots of fruits, vegetables and yogurt.

Thanks!

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S.E.

answers from Chicago on

Sometimes it is your diet that can cause water retention also. To much refined sugar, caffeine, or even products with caffeine in them can cause water retention in some people. I know it does it to me. Do you feel that you are going to the bathroom as much as you use to go or do you feel it is much less. If it is less I would call my doctor.
High humidity can cause water retention also in some people.
But in closing it is true that some medications can cause water retention. I would call my doctor if you are really concerned. I know when I was on the pill I had some problems and she changed me to the mini pill. A very low dose birth control pill.
Good Luck

1 mom found this helpful
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B.J.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Erin:

Water retention is standard when on the pill and even more so as you get older. I heard drinking celery juice helps reduce water rentention. Yes celery juice by making it in a blender or juicer. After a while, I stopped taking the pill due to the weight gain and water rentention of 7 years. I know you may not want to try this but you could have the spouse wear a condom instead. Or you may want to try the female condom or vagina foam as other options.

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E.B.

answers from Chicago on

Vitamin B6 helps with water retention.

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L.R.

answers from Chicago on

I've suffered with water retention for years during PMS. I tried all the things people suggested, but they just didn't work for me (I still drink lots of water and try to be mindful of the salt intake during that time). After years of this, I finally took my mom's advice and got a prescription for a water pill (hydroclorothiazide). Works like a charm. Just get ready to pee a lot, and make sure you keep drinking the water. Eat a banana if you feel sluggish since "going" so much can cause you to lose potassium. I've never had this problem though.

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

I think you should talk to you doc about a different brand. I had water retention with the first brand when I first started but not the third time I switched. If you have this with all, then it is a good chance yuo will regardless of brands. You will have to be careful until you find the right one though since switching can play havoc with hormones and you could get pregnant.

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I have to agree with some women here, there are so many side effects of the pill - I just went off of it and I don't worry about anything anymore - including higher risks of cancer!

But, summer does increase our water retention and that means you MUST drink more pure water to flush out the toxins. You need to at least drink 1/2 the ounces of your total body weight. So if you are 140 lbs, you need to drink 70 oz of water minimum. This is so true for anyone. Also, reduce salt intake. Many processed foods - canned and boxed contain so much salt it makes me blow up so I don't use them much any more at all. Watch sugars and now that veggie and fruit season are here - eat LOTS of these to cleanse and balance your body. For more suggestions, just email me your address and I'll be happy to help you out. Have a great summer.

K.
Wellness Consultant

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