We’re asking – mini pill side effects: what do we need to know?
Key takeaways:
Your period can change on the mini pill. You may experience lighter, irregular or more frequent bleeding, spotting or no periods at all.
Weight gain is reported, but the evidence doesn't confirm the mini pill causes it. Other factors can affect weight, too.
Other symptoms reported by people taking the mini pill include acne, mood changes and libido shifts. However, there isn't enough evidence to say that these symptoms are definitely caused by the progestogen-only pill.
If you or someone close to you is taking the mini pill, or thinking about starting it, you’ve probably done at least one search on the side effects. From changes to your period and spotting to mood, skin and weight questions, there’s plenty of anecdotal information out there – but what does the evidence actually say?
The mini pill, also known as the progestogen-only pill (POP), is a hormonal contraceptive containing progestogen but no oestrogen. There are different types of mini pill available, including pills containing desogestrel and drospirenone.
Here’s what to know about the possible side effects of the mini pill, including what can happen when you stop taking it.
Does the mini pill have side effects?
Yes. Like any medication, the mini pill can cause side effects, although many people take it without significant problems.
The most noticeable change for many people is their bleeding pattern. Your periods may become lighter, more frequent or stop altogether, and you may experience spotting or bleeding between periods.
Other symptoms reported by people taking the mini pill include acne, mood changes, changes to libido and weight gain. However, there isn’t enough evidence to say that these symptoms are definitely caused by the progestogen-only pill.
This is an important distinction when you’re trying to work out whether a symptom you’re experiencing is a side effect of contraception, a coincidence or something else going on with your body.
If side effects are troubling you, you don’t simply have to put up with them. A GP, pharmacist or sexual health professional can talk through whether a different contraceptive method might be more suitable.
Can the mini pill cause weight gain?
Weight gain is one of the most commonly searched-for mini pill side effects, but the answer isn’t straightforward.
Some people do report gaining weight while taking hormonal contraception, including the mini pill. However, there isn’t enough evidence to establish that weight gain is caused by the progestogen-only pill.
That means it would be too simplistic to say that taking the mini pill will make you gain weight.
Weight can naturally fluctuate for all sorts of reasons, including changes in appetite, activity, stress, sleep, age and other hormonal changes. If you’ve noticed a significant or persistent change after starting the mini pill, it’s worth discussing it with a healthcare professional rather than assuming the contraception is definitely responsible.
Can the mini pill stop periods?
Yes.
Having no periods while taking the mini pill can be completely normal. Your bleeding pattern may change in several ways: you might have lighter periods, more frequent bleeding, irregular bleeding or no bleeding at all.
For some people, having no periods is one of the main reasons for trying the mini pill. For others, unpredictable bleeding or spotting can be frustrating.
Importantly, not having a bleed while taking the mini pill does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong. If you have concerns about pregnancy, however, take a pregnancy test and speak to a healthcare professional for advice.
Combined pill vs mini pill side effects – which are you taking?
There are lots of different brands and formulations – and the names don’t always make it obvious whether you’re taking a POP or a combined pill.
The key difference is what’s inside the pill. The mini pill contains progestogen only and no oestrogen, while the combined pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen.
Is Desogestrel a mini pill?
Yes. Desogestrel is a type of mini pill.
Desogestrel is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill and contains no oestrogen. It works mainly by stopping ovulation and also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
You may see desogestrel sold under different brand names, including Cerazette, Cerelle and generic desogestrel pills. The exact brands available can differ between the UK and US.
There are other types of mini pill, too. For example, drospirenone-containing pills such as Slynd are also progestogen-only pills and do not contain oestrogen.
Is Rigevidon a mini pill?
No. Rigevidon is a combined pill, not a mini pill.
Rigevidon contains both oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (levonorgestrel). It sits alongside other combined contraceptive pills such as Microgynon 30, Yasmin and Marvelon.
The difference matters when you’re looking at combined pill vs mini pill side effects. The two types can have some overlapping side effects, including headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes and changes to bleeding, but the presence or absence of oestrogen also affects who can safely use each type.
The combined pill isn’t suitable for everyone because oestrogen-containing contraception is associated with a small increased risk of blood clots. The mini pill doesn’t contain oestrogen, so it can be suitable for some people who cannot take combined contraception.
If you’re not sure which type of pill you’re taking, check the active ingredients on your packet or ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional.
What happens when you come off the mini pill?
If you’ve decided to stop taking the mini pill, you may notice changes as your body adjusts to no longer receiving the hormones from your contraception.
Your periods may change again, particularly if the mini pill had been making them lighter, irregular or absent. You may also notice a return of symptoms that the mini pill had been helping to manage.
It’s difficult to give a precise timeline because everyone’s menstrual cycle is different. Fertility can return quickly after stopping the mini pill, so if you don’t want to become pregnant, you’ll need to use another contraceptive method straight away.
If you’re stopping the mini pill because you’re hoping to conceive, pregnancy can happen before you’ve had what feels like a ‘normal’ period.
For a real-life look at what can happen when you stop hormonal contraception, our TRB social team creators Lois and Alex compare notes on coming off the pill – including the very different experiences two people can have.
What are the side effects of coming off the mini pill?
There isn’t a set list, unfortunately. This is a highly individual process, any you may notice your body returning to the menstrual pattern it had before you started taking the mini pill.
That might mean your periods return if they had stopped, or that your bleeding is different from what you experienced while taking the mini pill.
You may also notice changes in symptoms such as acne, mood or period pain if the pill had been affecting these for you. Equally, you might not notice much of a change at all.
If you’re experiencing new, severe or persistent symptoms after stopping contraception, it’s worth speaking to your GP or another healthcare professional rather than automatically blaming the change in hormones.
Does contraception always have to be women’s responsibility?
We’re increasingly having this conversation – particularly when someone has spent years taking hormones, managing side effects, remembering pills and attending contraception appointments.
So, is male contraception happening?!
For now, established contraceptive options for men include condoms and vasectomy. Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception, while condoms are also the only contraceptive method that helps protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Research into additional male contraceptive options continues, but for now, contraception remains something couples can discuss together based on their circumstances and preferences.
Is male contraception finally happening? We dig into the options.
Know this
The mini pill is a well-established form of contraception, but that doesn’t mean everyone will experience it in exactly the same way.
Changes to your period are particularly common, including lighter, more frequent, irregular or absent periods. Acne, mood changes, libido changes and weight gain have also been reported, although there isn’t enough evidence to confirm that the mini pill causes these symptoms.
And if you’re coming off the mini pill, remember that fertility can return relatively quickly. If you don’t want to become pregnant, you’ll need to switch to another contraceptive method.
If you’re currently weighing up your options, talk to your GP, pharmacist or sexual health service. You don’t have to choose between ‘putting up with’ side effects and going without contraception – there are several different methods available, from unmedicated to something like the coil, and the right one is personal to you.
Quick fun fix for tonight: while you’re thinking about your wellbeing, why not see what’s currently making its way into our Holland & Barrett baskets? From everyday wellness staples to those little things you didn’t know you needed, consider this your excuse for a browse.
This article is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice. If you’re concerned about side effects from contraception, speak to your GP, pharmacist or sexual health professional.
