Hey, Bloated-a'gn, I was on the pill in the '70's for a few years, and I do believe it changed my hormonal level affecting my motility since I had not been constipated prior. It's funny how the doctors don't tell you the side-effects of medications, give no indication that there is a danger in taking the prescription, and neglect to follow-up on the safe time periods of prescribing them. Unfortunately, it is too late by the time we finally find out and the damage has been done. Here are the side-effects of the category frequently prescribed for birth control:headaches, migraine, dizziness, depression, lethargy thromboembolism, hypertension, edema, pulmonary embolism, CVAworsening of myopia or astigmatism, intolerance of contact lenses, exophthalmos, diplopianausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, anorexia, changes in appetitie, weight gain, pancreatitisbreakthrough bleeding, spotting, granulomatous colitis, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, cervical erosion or abnormal secretions, enlargement of uterine fibromas, vaginal candidiasisgallbladder disease, cholestatic jaundice, liver tumorsrash, acne, erythema multiformebreast tenderness, enlargement, secretion, hypercalcemiaIf I would have been smart enough back then to look up the side-effects of the pill myself, and the doctor would have taken the role he should have of educating me, I would not have chosen the pill.They tell you if you begin to have the problems, just stop taking it. It is not always that simple, especially if you have been on them for awhile and they have had a chance to alter your metabolism. Hormonal factors do affect body function. I have found out the hard way that it is not always wise to fool with mother nature, especially when there are other choices less detrimental to your health.