PDF of Side effects of The Pill
Head/Brain
Cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding into the cranial cavity)
Cerebral thrombosis (blood clot that drains blood from the brain)
Melasma, which may persist (skin discoloration)
Migraine
Headache
Dizziness
Loss of scalp hair
Acne
Eyes
Retinal thrombosis
Change in corneal curvature
Intolerance to contact lenses
Cataracts
Heart/Blood
Thrombophlebitis (blood clots in the veins)
Hypertension
Mesenteric thrombosis (blood clot in the major veins that drain blood from the intestine)
Hemorrhagic eruption (bleeding eruption)
Arterial thromboembolism (blood clots in the heart)
Pulmonary embolism
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Budd-Chiari Syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (kidney failure and low platelet count in the blood)
Mental
Mental depression
Nervousness
Whole Body
Changes in libido
Edema
Change in weight
Rash
Pre-menstrual syndrome
Hirsutism (excessive hair growth in places where hair normally is minimal or absent)
Erythema multiforme (allergic reaction)
Erythema nodosum (skin inflammation)
Porphyria (disease that can manifest itself as anything from acute mania, including hallucinations, to constipation and skin rashes)
Bone loss
Cancer (breast, uterine and vaginal)
Stomach/Intestines
Gallbladder disease (bile duct stones)
Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors
Nausea
Vomiting
Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)
Cholestatic jaundice (jaundice caused by thickened bile)
Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates
Changes in appetite
Impaired renal function (impaired kidney function)
Colitis (digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the colon)
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (kidney failure and low platelet count in the blood)
Impact on Reproductive Organs
Breakthrough bleeding
Spotting
Change in menstrual flow
Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods)
Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment
Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion
Change in cervical erosion and secretion
Decrease in lactation when given immediately postpartum
Cystitis-like syndrome (frequent urination, sometimes with a painful bladder)
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vaginal area, often associated with irritation, itching or infection)
Increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases
Cancer (breast, uterine and vaginal)
Endometriosis
Source: The Pill Kills Campaign. Studies sourced at their website http://thepillkills.org/sideeffects.php
