Could birth control cause chest discomfort at night?
Patient: Lately I have been having the feeling of pounding in my chest at night when I lie down to sleep.  Usually an hour into lying down.  I never have heartburn and I have never had symptoms other than possibly this one but I think this might be GERD.  I'm 34, female, a healthy weight, eat healthy -lots of fruit, veggies, and work out 3-4 times a weight with cardio and weights and yoga.  I believe this is GERD at night because I tested taking zantac a few times and the pounding did not happen.  I haven't been eating too close to bed - eat about 2-3 hours before bed, and usually have salad. I think possibly its my birth control.  I take birth control right before I go to sleep at night on an empty stomach.  i am wondering if maybe switching that to daytime use and having it with lunch with get rid of symptoms.  Could the birth control be the cause?  I recently had a checkup and I was fully heathy, my blood test had all my vitamins and minerals in the normal range and my heart checked out. Doctor: Possible it is GERD as you are suspecting . Try taking the medication with food as well as take antacid every night for a period of a week. Also try to elevate your head end by extra pillows at night. Might give you some relief.