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Related Concept Videos

Birth Control Methods01:22

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems01:21

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

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Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
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Drug Dosing: Obese Patients

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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
06:18

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight.

Laureen M Lopez1, Alison Edelman, Mario Chen-Mok

  • 1Clinical Sciences, FHI, P.O. Box 13950, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, 27709.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) are safe and effective, with most users experiencing minimal weight gain, typically less than 2 kg. Accurate counseling on typical weight changes can improve contraceptive continuation rates.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
06:18

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) offer a safe alternative for individuals unable to use estrogen-containing methods.
  • Long-acting, cost-effective POCs are crucial for pregnancy prevention.
  • Concerns about weight gain can lead to contraceptive initiation barriers and early discontinuation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between progestin-only contraceptive use and changes in body weight.
  • To synthesize evidence from comparative studies on POCs and weight changes.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, etc.) and clinical trial registries.
  • Inclusion of comparative studies assessing POCs against other methods or no contraception.
  • Extraction of data on mean body weight or body composition changes, with statistical analysis using mean differences and confidence intervals.

Main Results:

  • Fifteen studies investigated progestin-only pills, Norplant, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).
  • Four studies indicated weight or body composition changes with POCs compared to non-hormonal methods.
  • Adolescents using DMPA showed increased body fat and decreased lean body mass; DMPA and Norplant users experienced some weight gain compared to IUD or no method groups.

Conclusions:

  • Limited evidence suggests minimal weight gain (<2 kg) with most POCs up to 12 months.
  • Weight changes with POCs are often similar to those with other contraceptive methods.
  • Counseling on expected weight changes can mitigate discontinuation due to weight gain concerns.