Which are common adverse effects of combined oral contraceptives?

• A. Nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, mood changes; possible increased blood pressure and VTE risk.
• B. Weight loss and improved vision only.
• C. No adverse effects.
• D. Hair growth and acne improvement only.

Answer: (A)

Combined oral contraceptives commonly produce a spectrum of side effects tied to the hormonal components. The most frequent adverse effects are nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and mood changes. Some users may also experience a modest increase in blood pressure and a risk of venous thromboembolism, particularly with certain risk factors such as age, smoking, or a personal history of clotting disorders. These effects are not rare, and their presence helps explain why some people discontinue use despite effectiveness.

Other options don’t fit because the profiles described aren’t considered typical or universal adverse effects of combined OCs. Weight changes with these pills are variable and not reliably described as consistent loss; vision changes aren’t a common direct adverse effect; and saying there are no adverse effects ignores the well-documented side effects. Statements that only mention hair growth and acne improvement also don’t capture the broader, more common adverse effects and risks that patients may experience.