Possible Link Between Birth Control Pills and Depression

Possible Link Between Birth Control Pills and Depression Depression Treatment Medication Print Can Birth Control Pills Cause Depression? By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD on December 05, 2019 facebook linkedin Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Review Board Anita Sadaty, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that are taken every day in order to prevent pregnancy. Most women can safely use birth control pills, but pill use may carry some risks and/or side effects for certain people. Common Negative Side Effects of the Pill Negative side effects of the pill include: HeadachesBreast tendernessNausea (sometimes accompanied by vomiting)Irregular spotting and bleeding between periodsA change in sexual desire The Pill and Depression One of the possible side effects of birth control pills is, indeed, a change in mood.  If you have a history of depression, you may not be able to continue to take birth control pills if your depression worsens. Studies show that this is not a common, or likely, side effect, but some experts nevertheless disagree. The results of a study, published in the  Journal of Epidemiology  in 2013, show that  young women using the birth control pill and other hormonal methods were no more likely to be depressed than other young women. In the push-back upon the publication of these results, the lead author of the study pointed out that  irritability and mood swings are very different from depression and suicide attempts, though theyre definitely something to bring up with your doctor.?? Meanwhile,  another study in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology  gave some women a cycle of birth control pills and other women placebos. At the end of the cycle, the women taking hormonal birth control were actually more likely to report worse mood, fatigue, and mood swings than the placebo group. So it seems that the truth remains elusive.?? If you experience any of these side effects, including worsening depression, especially for a period of longer than three months, you should consult with your physician for advice. It may just mean that your birth control pill needs to be changed. More About the Pill and Mood Disorders Women have been enjoying the benefits and advantages of the birth control pill since its FDA-approval on May 9, 1960. The pill is actually one of the most researched and studied of all medications. Most women can safely use birth control pills, but pill use may carry some risks and/or side effects that your doctor should make you aware of. Drug Interactions Between Oral Contraceptives and Bipolar Medications