One of the side effects of hormone-based birth control is that some women report feeling depressed when taking the pill, the patch, or an intrauterine device (IUD). Research on the connection between depression & birth control is mixed, but the majority of studies do not find a strong connection. Even if you’re already on birth control, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your mental health while taking it. What kind of birth control is right for you will depend on your healthcare provider’s advice and recommendations. In women, depression is a severe and prevalent condition, and it can occur even if they are not using birth control. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice a change in your mood or find depression symptoms. Let’s first learn about different birth control and depression.
Table of Contents
Birth Control
Hormones are found in birth control pills. These hormones prevent ovulation by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg. The cervical mucus becomes thicker, as a result, making it more difficult for sperm to reach your uterus and fertilize an egg. You must take the pills regularly to get the full benefit. Birth control pills can cause a woman’s menstrual cycle to become irregular for months after she stops taking them.
Depression
Depression is more than just a short-term state of mind. It’s a mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and boredom. If you’re suffering from depression, it can have a significant impact on your daily routine.
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression may include sadness that won’t go away, anxiety that never goes away, a lack of faith in one’s abilities, irritability, fatigue, suicidal thoughts, etc.
Types of Birth Control and its Effects
Different types of hormonal birth control can be the cause of depression. Some types of birth control and their effects are mentioned below:
Shot:
A healthcare provider administers a shot of this progestin-only hormonal contraceptive every three months. It prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs, which is how it works. The shot may increase the likelihood that a person will be diagnosed with depression, but the results are inconsistent when people report mood symptoms while taking it; some people may experience an improvement in mood, while others may experience a decline.
Implants:
A healthcare professional inserts a small, rod-shaped implant into the upper arm. It is a form of LARC, similar to the more widely known IUD. Three years is the maximum lifespan of implants. After that, it must be extracted by a healthcare professional.
Antidepressants were prescribed more frequently to regular users of the implant than to those who were not regularly using it. However, further research is needed to determine if implant users report mood changes while using the device.
IUDs:
Medical professionals must insert and remove IUDs, which are T-shaped devices. The hormonal IUD users were more likely than non-users to be diagnosed with depression and given antidepressant medication for the first time. Adolescent hormonal IUD users were more likely to be diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants than adults in the study. However, when hormonal IUD users are asked to report symptoms, it appears that the hormonal IUD may increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with or treated for depression.
Combined Hormonal Contraceptives:
Combination hormonal contraceptives, commonly referred to as “the pill,” are the most widely prescribed method of birth control. It prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation with a combination of oestrogen and progestin. Birth control pills may improve nervousness and mood swings in some people, but those who have previously experienced negative mood effects while taking birth control pills are more likely to experience depression and mood swings while taking combined oral contraceptives.
Progestin-Only Pill:
To prevent pregnancy, these “mini pills” only contain progestin in them. To maximize its effectiveness, this birth control must be taken at the same time each day as the combined pill.
Patch:
Transdermal patches deliver hormones directly to the skin, where they are slowly absorbed by the body. It is utilized every three weeks and removed on the fourth to enable the onset of bleeding during the withdrawal process. Progestin and estrogen are active ingredients in the patch, which is another method of combined hormonal contraception. Depression may be more likely to be diagnosed or treated with the patch, but studies are needed to determine whether patch users experience mood changes during use.
Ring:
A flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to serve as a vaginal ring. During a 28-day cycle, it is inserted for 21 days and then removed for seven days. When it is released, there is a period. Each month, the ring is discarded and a new one is obtained. For the most part, its side effects are milder than those of other forms of combined hormonal contraception.
In addition to depression, hormonal birth control can cause several other side effects. Other possible side effects include spotty or inconsistent bleeding, nausea, headaches, sensitivity to touch in the breasts, and a burning sensation in the stomach.
Precautions Using Birth Control
There are some precautions you must take while using birth control. It’s important to pick a birth control method that fits your lifestyle, is easy to use, is affordable, and will work for you if and when you decide to start a family.
Worried about the impact on your mood of taking hormonal birth control? Discuss your concerns with your doctor. A birth control method with fewer androgenic progestins could be one of these alternatives (a type of hormone). Continuous hormonal contraception is the best option. For those who don’t want a monthly period, there is an option to take a hormone pill every day.
You don’t have to swallow these contraceptives, which are a combination of hormones. Examples include the patch and vaginal ring. Alternatives to hormones, such as a copper intrauterine device, condoms, and a diaphragm/cervical cap
When Should You Visit a Doctor
When using hormonal birth control, be aware of any mood shifts or changes you may experience. Among the possible signs of depression are:
- Lack of motivation
- Tiredness has increased
- Being unable to focus or make a decision
- Having a sense of “emptiness” or “despondency”
- You’re not having fun doing the things you usually do for fun
- Sleep problems or excessive sleepiness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.
Final Thoughts
There has been no conclusive evidence that birth control pills cause depression as of yet. Anecdotal evidence, on the other hand, is strong. No one knows your body better than you do. If you’re depressed, don’t take it for granted. A mental health professional can help if you’re experiencing depression symptoms. Antidepressants and therapy may be able to help alleviate your symptoms. If you’re taking birth control pills for the first time and notice signs of depression, contact your doctor. If you’ve had depression in the past, call your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen. Don’t take any hormonal contraceptives if you have a history of depression or are currently experiencing depressive symptoms. Even though most healthcare professionals agree that mood changes are not a reason to stop hormonal birth control, you may need more testing to check it. The advice of your doctor can help you decide whether or not you should continue taking your current pills, switch to a new formulation, or switch to a form of contraception that does not contain hormones.