In a recent study of oral contraceptive use, it was discovered that – shockingly – within just the first 2 years of taking birth control pills, the risk of depression in women increased by a dramatic 79%. Since then, further correlations between hormonal birth control and mental health issues – such as exacerbated anxiety symptoms, for example – have been uncovered.
If you – or someone you know – have noticed changes in your mood after starting on the pill or any other type of hormonal contraceptive, this article is for you. Stay with us as we explore how hormonal birth control can affect our mental health.
What is Hormonal Birth Control?
If you’re curious to learn more about hormonal birth control, you may be surprised to know that there are several different methods;
Oral contraceptives
Containing hormones commonly known as progestin and estrogen, oral contraceptives such as the birth control pill must be taken at the same time daily to be most effective. Despite even the most impeccable daily diligence, however, it’s important to note that the pill is still only 99% effective – which leaves a small margin for the risk of pregnancy.
Injections
Instead of taking a daily contraceptive pill, some women prefer to receive an injection of the progestin hormone. The good news? When choosing this method, we need only receive the shot once every three months, leaving far less room for human error when it comes to monitoring our dosages.
Implants
Another hormonal birth control method involves having a rod containing the progestin hormone implanted into our arm. This method facilitates the slow release of the hormone into a woman’s body over 3 years.
Potential Side Effects: Mood Swings, Depression, or Anxiety
It’s true – while hormonal birth control methods can be an effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, for some of us, they can cause emotional side effects. Yes, different hormones in the body can affect our mental health in different ways, and adding hormonal birth control into the mix can either improve or exacerbate our symptoms.
Like with any drug, there’s no real way of knowing how our emotions are going to be affected before we take a hormonal contraceptive – the side effects of birth control methods like the pill differ for each person who takes them. For some of us, especially if we already have pre-existing mood disorders – such as a history of depression, for instance – taking hormonal contraceptives can make things worse, studies have shown. In some cases, birth control can cause mood swings or even elicit symptoms commonly associated with mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
The link between taking hormonal birth control and feeling emotional side effects has been documented ever since the pill first came out in the 1960s. Since then, recent study findings have further reiterated this fact – with many women reporting that they have felt more anxious or depressed after taking the pill or other hormonal contraceptives.
Getting Help
If you’re experiencing severe mood swings and associated symptoms, it’s a good idea to get some help. Undergoing therapy with a licensed counselor is an excellent way to identify whether you’re experiencing emotional changes that are out of the ordinary. Following this, you may want to undergo a mental health assessment. These can be completed by a doctor or qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or mental health nurse practitioner who has completed the requisite psych NP programs online.
The outcome of a mental health assessment is important, as having these answers can enable us to receive the treatment, care, and support we need to navigate emotional challenges and improve our mental health.
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As discussed today, hormonal birth control methods – such as the oral contraceptive pill, progestin injections, or rod implants – can have side effects when it comes to our emotions, moods, and mental health.
While studies have shown that many women experience negative side effects such as increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, it is, however, important to note that hormonal contraceptives affect each person differently.
If you’re unsure about whether your hormonal birth control could be affecting your mood or mental health, be sure to consult with a licensed medical professional.
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