top of page
Search

Can Birth Control Pills Cause Depression?

Birth control pills are one of the most common methods for preventing pregnancy. These contain synthetic versions of the natural estrogen and progesterone found in the female body. Commonly known as "the pill", they are taken every day.

While these pills are safe for most women, some users have reported feeling sad, anxious, or emotionally different after starting them. This leads to an important question: Can birth control pills cause depression? Understanding how these pills may affect mood is important for anyone thinking about using them.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Birth control pills are a method of pregnancy prevention. They contain synthetic versions of the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone.

  • Depression is a serious mental health condition with symptoms like sadness, loss of interest, sleep changes, and fatigue.

  • Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play an important role in regulating mood by interacting with brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.

  • The research done on the link between birth control pills and depression is quite inconclusive and insufficient. Some suggest a small increase in depression risk for people using birth control pills, especially teenagers. While others suggest that some users feel emotionally better while on the pill.

 

What is Depression?

what is depression
Image by Freepik

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. It is not just about feeling sad for a day or two. But depression lasts longer and can make everyday life hard.

The following are the symptoms of depression:

  • Depressed mood (feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or appearing tearful).

  • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities.

  • Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite.

  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).

  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation (restlessness or slowed movements and speech), observable by others.

  • Fatigue or loss of energy.

  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt.

  • Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.

  • Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability worldwide. It can affect people of all ages - children, teenagers, and adults - and it often shows up differently in different people. It can be caused by a mix of factors, like genetics, life stress, and sometimes changes in hormones.

How Do Hormones Affect Mood?

To understand whether birth control pills can cause depression, it helps to first know how hormones affect the brain and emotions.

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the body. They tell different parts of the body what to do, including the brain. Two of the main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones also play a role in regulating mood because they interact with brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for feelings of happiness, calmness, and emotional balance.

When hormone levels naturally rise and fall during a period, pregnancy, or after giving birth, many people notice mood changes like feeling more sensitive, tired, or even sad. These shifts are usually temporary, but they show how closely hormones are tied to emotional health.

Since the most commonly used birth control pills contain synthetic versions of the natural estrogen and progesterone in the body, it makes sense to wonder whether they can also affect mood, and possibly lead to depression in some people.

Understanding the Link Between Birth Control Pills and Depression


The research done on the link between birth control pills and depression is quite inconclusive and insufficient.

Some studies suggest that birth control pills may raise the risk of depression for some people, especially teenagers and those who are sensitive to hormonal changes. These studies found that people using hormonal contraception were more likely to feel depressed or start taking antidepressants compared to those who didn’t use it. However, the risk remained minimal.

On the other hand, other research shows that most people who take birth control pills do not develop depression. Some people feel more emotionally stable on the pill, especially if they already have strong mood swings before their period. These differences may be due to how each person’s body and brain respond to hormones.

Hence, birth control pills might affect mood in some people, but not in everyone. A few people may feel more emotional or low while using them, while others may feel no change or even feel better.

It is important to understand that everybody is different and may respond to birth control pills differently. This is why it is important to keep track of any mood changes and talk to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Conclusion

Different people respond to birth control pills differently. While some users report mood changes, including feelings of sadness or emotional imbalance, many others experience no side effects at all.

Recognizing changes in mood and seeking professional advice early can help prevent discomfort and ensure that contraception choices support both physical and emotional well-being. Being informed, observant, and proactive is key when it comes to managing birth control and mental health.



 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can birth control pills cause anxiety and depression?

    Different people respond to the pills differently. It may contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression in some users. However, others may experience no symptoms at all.

  • How long do mood changes from birth control pills last?

    For some users who may experience mood changes, these symptoms may appear within the first few months of starting the pill and may improve over time. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

  • Are there hormone-free birth control options?

    Yes, options like copper IUD or condoms do not use hormones and may be better for those who are sensitive to hormonal birth control options.

  • Is it safe to continue birth control pills if I already have depression?

    Many people with a history of depression safely use birth control pills. However, it's important to discuss this with a doctor before using birth control pills, and monitor symptoms closely and have regular checkups.

 

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

Comments

bottom of page