Can Birth Control Pills Make You Tired – Medically Reviewed & Updated – December 2025
Dr Garima Thakur, MBBS, IGMC Shimla, Junior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
Written with the clinical experience of Dr Seema Gupta (MD Naturopathy), helping women understand pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding health with clarity and confidence.
Understanding Birth Control and Fatigue
Many women experience tiredness or fatigue after starting birth control pills, making them wonder if birth control pills can make you tired. This common side effect affects thousands of users daily, is often temporary, but can significantly impact energy levels and overall well-being.
The synthetic estrogen and progesterone in hormonal contraceptives influence your body’s natural hormone balance, affecting sleep patterns, mood stability, and nutrient metabolism.
Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help you make informed decisions about your contraceptive choices while maintaining optimal energy levels throughout your daily routine.
Why Birth Control Pills Can Cause Tiredness
The connection between birth control pill fatigue and hormonal contraception stems from several physiological changes that occur when you introduce synthetic hormones into your system. These changes can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms and energy production processes.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Synthetic hormones and energy levels are closely connected through complex biochemical pathways. When you take birth control pills, the artificial estrogen and progesterone alter your body’s natural hormone production cycle. These hormonal fluctuations that birth control users experience occur because:
Your hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which usually controls hormone production, receives different signals from synthetic hormones compared to naturally produced ones. This can lead to birth control sleep disruption as melatonin production becomes affected. The synthetic progesterone, particularly, can have sedating effects on some users, contributing to daytime drowsiness.
Research indicates that hormonal contraception and tiredness are linked through changes in cortisol patterns. Some women experience altered cortisol rhythms while on the pill, which can affect their natural energy cycles throughout the day.
Testosterone Drop and Fatigue
Birth control pills increase SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), reducing free testosterone—linked to low energy, libido, and fatigue in 20–30% of users [1]. This androgen suppression worsens in progestin-dominant pills.
Nutrient Depletion
One often overlooked aspect of birth control-related fatigue symptoms is the impact on essential nutrients. Birth control pills can affect the absorption and utilisation of several key vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin B6 depletion is widespread because synthetic hormones increase the body’s need for this crucial nutrient, which is involved in neurotransmitter production and energy metabolism. Many women don’t realise that their morning tiredness could be related to B6 deficiency.
B12 levels can also decrease, leading to problems with cellular energy production. This vitamin is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function. Magnesium and zinc absorption may be reduced, both of which are critical for cellular enzyme function and energy production.
Folate metabolism can be altered, affecting DNA synthesis and repair processes that require significant energy. These nutrient-depletion, birth-control, and fatigue effects often develop gradually over months of use.
Sleep and Mood Changes
Birth control and mood swings often go hand in hand with fatigue issues. The synthetic hormones can influence neurotransmitter production, including serotonin and dopamine, which affect both mood and energy levels.
Some users report birth control and sleepiness during the day, while others experience insomnia at night. These mood changes and tiredness, birth control symptoms occur because:
Progesterone-like compounds in pills can have sedating effects, similar to natural progesterone’s calming properties. However, the timing and intensity may differ from your natural cycle, leading to feeling tired at inappropriate times.
Estrogen levels in pills can affect REM sleep cycles, potentially reducing sleep quality even if you sleep for adequate hours. This contributes tothe birth control headache and fatigue symptoms that any woman experiences.
Link to Depression and Anxiety
Fatigue often overlaps with depression/anxiety on pills (10–15% risk increase in predisposed women) [2]. Synthetic hormones alter serotonin pathways, amplifying tiredness as a mood symptom.
When Fatigue Is Most Noticeable
Understanding timing patterns helps distinguish regular adjustment periods from concerning side effects requiring medical attention.
Starting Birth Control
Does birth control make you tired when you first start is one of the most frequently asked questions in women’s health forums. The answer is yes, for many users. Birth control fatigue Reddit discussions consistently show that initial fatigue is common during the first 1-3 cycles.
Can starting birth control pills make you tired effects typically manifest within the first week of use. Your body needs time to adjust to the new hormonal environment. During this adjustment period, you might notice extreme fatigue that gradually improves as your system adapts.
Tiredness symptoms when starting birth control often include morning sluggishness, afternoon energy crashes, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms usually peak during the second and third weeks of your first cycle.
Type of Birth Control
Different formulations cause varying degrees of birth control pills mood swings and fatigue:
Does progesterone birth control make you tired more than combination pills? Often yes. Progesterone-only pills (mini-pills) can cause more pronounced drowsiness because they lack estrogen’s energising effects. Users frequently report stronger sleeping problems with hormonal contraception with progesterone-only formulations.
Combined pills containing both estrogen and progesterone may cause mild fatigue and birth control symptoms, but the effects often balance out. Higher-dose formulations typically cause more noticeable energy levels while on birth control changes.
Extended-cycle pills that reduce the frequency of periods can affect tiredness, birth control patch, pill, and ring users differently, as they maintain steady hormone levels for more extended periods.
Progestin-Only vs Combined Pills
| Pill Type | Fatigue Risk | Why | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined (Estrogen + Progestin) | Moderate | Estrogen energising; balances progestin sedation | Mood stability |
| Progestin-Only (Mini-Pill) | Higher | Stronger sedating effect; no estrogen boost [3] | Breastfeeding/smokers |
Individual Responses
Can birth control make you tired and moody effects vary dramatically between individuals. Factors influencing your response include:
Your natural hormone sensitivity, baseline energy levels, lifestyle factors, and genetic variations in hormone metabolism all play roles. Some women experience better energy levels on birth control due to reduced menstrual symptoms and more predictable cycles.
Birth control and emotions connections mean that if you’re prone to mood disorders, you may be more susceptible to the emotional impact of birth control fatigue symptoms. Conversely, those with previously irregular cycles might find their energy more stable on hormonal contraception.
Managing Fatigue from Birth Control Pills
How to combat fatigue from birth control requires a multi-faceted approach addressing lifestyle, nutrition, and medical considerations.
Practical Tips
Managing tiredness on birth control starts with consistent daily habits:
Sleep hygiene becomes crucial when dealing with birth control sleep disruption. Maintain regular bedtime and wake times, even on weekends. Create a sleep-conducive environment by keeping your bedroom calm, dark, and quiet. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, as blue light can further disrupt melatonin production already affected by synthetic hormones.
Nutritional support helps counteract nutrient depletion and birth-control fatigue. Focus onB-vitamin-richh foods like leafy greens, whole grains, eggs, and lean meats. Consider a high-quality B-complex supplement after consulting with your healthcare provider. Magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate can help with both energy and sleep quality.
Hydration plays a bigger role than many realise. Birth control and adrenal fatigue symptoms can worsen with dehydration. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, more if you exercise or live in a hot climate.
Exercise strategies for birth control, making me tired, Reddit users should focus on moderate, consistent activity rather than intense workouts that might worsen fatigue. A 20-minute daily walk, gentle yoga, or swimming can improve circulation and energy without overtaxing your system.
Stress management helps because chronic stress compounds hormonal contraceptives and mental fatigue. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to support your body’s adaptation to hormonal changes.
Targeted Supplements
Counter depletion with: B-complex (50–100mg daily), magnesium (300–400mg), and iron if low [4]. Consult a doctor before starting.
When to Consult a Doctor
Doctor’s advice: birth control fatigue becomes necessary when symptoms significantly impact your quality of life. Seek medical attention if:
Fatigue persists beyond 2-3 complete cycles without improvement. This timeframe allows for initial adjustment while catching concerning patterns early.
Extreme tiredness prevents you from completing daily activities, work responsibilities, or social engagements. Can birth control pills make you exhausted to this degree isn’t normal and may indicate an underlying issue.
Additional symptoms develop, such as birth control headache and fatigue combinations, significant mood changes, or physical symptoms like unusual bleeding or breast pain.
Your healthcare provider can evaluate whether fatigue birth control alternatives might be appropriate, such as different pill formulations, non-hormonal options, or investigating other potential causes of your symptoms.
When to Switch or Stop
If fatigue >3 cycles: Consider low-dose combined, non-hormonal (copper IUD—no fatigue reports), or implant/ring (mixed but often lower) [5].
| Option | Fatigue Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Switch Pill | Temporary reset | Try a different progestin |
| IUD (Copper) | None hormonal | No fatigue link |
| Implant/Ring | Variable | Often milder than pills |
References
[1] Healthline. (2025). Birth control and low testosterone. https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-low-testosterone
[2] Verywell Health. (2025). Birth control depression risk. https://www.verywellhealth.com/birth-control-depression-5188493
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Progestin-only pills side effects. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21096-progestin-only-pills
[4] NatureDoc. (2025). Supplements for birth control fatigue. https://naturedoc.com/birth-control-fatigue-supplements/
[5] Planned Parenthood. (2025). Non-pill birth control options. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
Can Birth Control Pills Make You Tired – Download Free PDF
Can Birth Control Pills Make You Tired?: The Ayurvedic Perspective
In Ayurveda, fatigue from birth control pills reflects a disruption in the body’s natural balance (Dosha Vikriti), particularly aggravating Vata dosha (air/ether) and depleting Ojas (vital essence responsible for strength, immunity, and energy).
Synthetic hormones suppress the natural menstrual cycle (Ritu Chakra), creating Srotorodha (channel blockage) and weakening Agni (digestive fire), leading to the accumulation of Ama (toxins). This mimics Ojas Kshaya—low vitality, fatigue, mood swings, and poor sleep.
As Dr Seema Gupta, BAMS, MD (Naturopathy) with 27+ years in women’s health, I view hormonal contraceptives as Vata-Pitta provocative, often causing dryness, anxiety, and lethargy. Holistic management restores balance through Dinacharya (daily routine), Ahara (diet), and gentle Rasayana—always alongside modern care and doctor consultation.
Ayurveda’s View on Hormonal Contraception Fatigue
Birth control pills alter Prakriti (constitution) by mimicking excess Kapha (sedation) or Vata (dryness/depletion). Charaka Samhita (Chi. 30) links vitality to balanced Artava (reproductive tissue); suppression leads to Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion), manifesting as chronic tiredness.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Support While on Pills
Ayurveda complements pills by rebuilding Ojas and calming Vata.
| Benefit | Ayurvedic Mechanism | Relevance to Pill Fatigue | Suggested Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Restoration | Balya (strengthening) + Ojas Vardhana | Counters nutrient depletion & lethargy | Ashwagandha (¼ tsp milk, post-consult) [1] [2] |
| Sleep Improvement | Nidra Janana (sleep-promoting) | Eases progesterone sedation/disruption | Brahmi tea evenings; warm foot massage [3] |
| Mood Stability | Medhya (intellect-promoting) | Reduces anxiety/mood swings | Jatamansi or Shankhpushpi (guided dose) [4] |
| Digestion Boost | Agni Deepana | Improves B-vitamin absorption | Ginger tea + rock salt pre-meals [5] |
| Detox Support | Ama Pachana | Clears synthetic hormone residue | Triphala (½ tsp nightly, 2nd cycle+) [6] |
Dosha-Specific Guidance
| Dosha | Fatigue Pattern on Pills | Recommended | Avoid | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vata | Dryness, anxiety, insomnia | Warm oils, ghee, Ashwagandha | Cold foods, caffeine | Abhyanga daily [1] [7] |
| Pitta | Irritability, headaches | Cooling (coconut, mint) | Spicy, sour | Moon bathing; rose water [3] |
| Kapha | Heaviness, daytime sleepiness | Light, pungent (ginger) | Dairy excess, sweets | Trikatu light dose [5] |
Precautions in Ayurvedic Context
Start mild; no strong Rasayana in the first cycle. Monitor for Ama (coated tongue). Contraindications: Thrombosis, severe mood disorders—consult Vaidya.
Practical Tips
- Diet: Sattvic—warm soups, nuts, dates; B-rich greens.
- Routine: Early sleep, Pranayama (Nadi Shodhana).
- Transition: Taper herbs when switching pills.
Key Takeaways
Ayurveda sees pill fatigue as Ojas/Agni imbalance—restore with Vata-Kapha pacification for sustained energy. Blend with lifestyle tips for best results. For a personalised plan, WhatsApp Dr Seema Gupta.
FAQs
Q: Ayurvedic remedy for pill-induced sleepiness?
A: Brahmi + warm milk calms Vata; improves quality [3].
Q: Safe to take Ashwagandha with pills?
A: Small dose supports Ojas; no known interaction—consult [1].
Q: How to boost energy naturally with pills?
A: Daily Abhyanga + ginger tea kindles Agni [5].
References
[1] Easy Ayurveda. (2023). Ashwagandha benefits. https://www.easyayurveda.com/ashwagandha/
[2] Banyan Botanicals. (n.d.). Ashwagandha for stress. https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/herbs/ashwagandha
[3] Joyful Belly. (n.d.). Brahmi for sleep. https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/ingredient/Brahmi/47
[4] Planet Ayurveda. (n.d.). Shankhpushpi. https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/shankhpushpi
[5] Ayurtimes. (n.d.). Trikatu uses. https://www.ayurtimes.com/trikatu
[6] Kerala Ayurveda. (n.d.). Triphala benefits. https://keralaayurveda.biz/blogs/ayurveda/triphala-benefits
[7] The Ayurveda Experience. (n.d.). Abhyanga guide. https://blog.theayurvedaexperience.com/abhyanga (Short list as requested—reliable Ayurvedic sources.)
Common Questions About Birth Control Fatigue
Can switching pills make me tired?
The question of whether switching birth control pills can make you tired is a valid concern when changing formulations. Yes, transitioning between different brands or hormone combinations can temporarily affect energy levels as your body adjusts to new synthetic hormone ratios. This adjustment period typically lasts 1-2 cycles.
The degree of fatigue depends on how different the new formulation is from your previous one. Switching from a high-dose to a low-dose pill, or changing progestin types, can cause more noticeable fluctuations in energy levels while on birth control.
Can birth control make you sleep more?
Can birth control make you sleep more relates to both increased sleepiness and changes in actual sleep duration. Many users report needing more sleep while adjusting to hormonal contraception. This occurs because synthetic hormones can affect your circadian rhythm and melatonin production patterns.
Birth control and daytime sleepiness often lead to longer nighttime sleep as your body attempts to compensate for disrupted energy cycles. Some women find they need 1-2 additional hours of sleep per night during their initial adjustment period.
Does fatigue go away?
Does birth control fatigue go away for most users? Yes, typically within 2-4 cycles as hormonal levels stabilise. The duration of birth control fatigue varies by individual, but persistent fatigue beyond this timeframe warrants medical evaluation.
Birth control tiredness clinical studies show that approximately 70% of users who experience initial fatigue see improvement by their third cycle. However, about 15-20% may need to switch formulations or methods to achieve optimal energy levels.
Key Takeaways
Understanding how birth control pills can make you tired helps you make informed decisions about contraception while managing potential side effects effectively.
Birth control pill fatigue is common, especially during initial adjustment periods lasting 2-4 cycles. This temporary side effect affects many users but typically resolves as the body adapts to synthetic hormones.
Fatigue varies significantly by pill type, individual sensitivity, and lifestyle factors. Does progesterone birth control make you tired more than combination pills? Often yes, due to progesterone’s naturally sedating properties.
Management strategies, including proper sleep hygiene, nutritional support, adequate hydration, and gentle exercise, can significantly reduce the management oftiredness on birth control challenges.
Medical consultation becomes important when fatigue persists beyond regular adjustment periods or significantly impacts daily functioning. Your healthcare provider can evaluate fatigue, birth control alternatives, or investigate other potential causes.
FAQs
Does birth control make you tired when you first start?
Does birth control make you tired when you first start using it? Yes, initial fatigue is widespread during the first 1-3 cycles as your body adjusts to synthetic hormones. This birth control fatigue Reddit discussion frequently mentions that it typically improves as hormonal levels stabilise. Most users see energy levels return to baseline by their third cycle.
Can birth control make you tired all the time?
Can birth control pills make you tired all the time isn’t normal after the adjustment period. While initial fatigue is expected, persistent exhaustion beyond 3-4 cycles may indicate the need for a different formulation or investigation of other causes. Whether birth control pills can make you fatigued constantly warrants medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions or explore alternative contraceptive options.
How long does birth control fatigue last?
Birth control fatigue duration typically spans 2-4 cycles for most users experiencing adjustment-related tiredness. Does birth control fatigue go away for the majority? Yes, as synthetic hormones reach steady levels, your body adapts. However, clinical studies on birth control show individual variation, with some requiring formulation changes to achieve optimal energy levels.
Can switching birth control pills trigger fatigue?
Can switching birth control pills make you tired temporarily? Yes, changing formulations can cause 1-2 cycles of adjustment fatigue as your body adapts to different hormone ratios or types. Whether birth control pills can make you really tired during transitions depends on how significantly different the new formulation is from your previous one.
What lifestyle changes can reduce tiredness on birth control?
How to combat fatigue from birth control through lifestyle modifications includes maintaining consistent sleep schedules, eating B-vitamin-rich foods, staying adequately hydrated, engaging in gentle, regular exercise, and managing stress levels. These strategies support your body’s adaptation to hormonal changes while addressing nutrient depletion, birth control fatigue, and related sleep disruptions.
Remember: While fatigue from birth control pills is common initially, persistent or severe tiredness shouldn’t be dismissed as “normal.” Work with your healthcare provider to find the contraceptive approach that maintains your energy levels while meeting your reproductive health needs.
Read More: Can Birth Control Pills Make You TiredExplore related hormonal health and contraception topics:
- Birth Control Pills Side Effects
Full overview of common impacts. - Natural Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance in Females
Ayurvedic balance strategies. - Foods That Cause Hormonal Imbalance in Females
Dietary triggers to avoid. - When Do Birth Control Pills Start Working Complete Guide
Timing and effectiveness. - Emergency Contraceptive Pills Uses Effects Side Effects
Backup options explained. - Pills to Avoid Pregnancy After 21 Days
Late-cycle contraception. - Ultimate Guide to Ayurvedic Women’s Health
Holistic hormonal care. - 5 Ayurvedic Morning Routine Tips for Women’s Wellness
Daily energy boosters. - Gen Z Periods 2025 Ayurveda Cycles
Modern cycle management. - How to Avoid Pregnancy Naturally Complete Guide
Non-hormonal alternatives.
Dr. Seema Gupta, BAMS, MD (Naturopathy) is an Ex-House Physician in Gynecology and Obstetrics who is Advanced Certified in Diet and Nutrition. with over 27 years of experience in Women’s Health, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Diet, she has empowered 70,000+ patients to achieve natural healing. Her expertise in Gynecology and Obstetrics ensures personalized, science-backed advice.