Birth Control and Depression: Navigating the Risk
Birth control is a great option to avoid unwanted pregnancies and also take care of one’s health along with intimacy.
However, these may also have some side effects, out of which Depression is one.
According to a review published by NCBI, nine out of twelve studies indicated that 16 to 56 percent of
women using oral contraceptives suffer from Depression.
Such side effects are common in oral and non-oral birth control methods.
To ensure that birth control is used efficiently, one must also understand the underlying risks in an attempt to minimize them.
This article presents the correlation between birth control and Depression, assessing the risk and other possible side effects for ensuring well-being and a mindful choice.
Can birth control cause Depression
Birth control and Depression are closely related.
Out of all the side effects reported for female birth control, mood swings and Depression remain two common issues.
These side effects are more commonly observed in women who have a history of psychiatric illness like Depression or if such issues run down in the family.
Several women give up on birth control, stating Depression and negative influence on mood as the contributory reasons.
The possible reason behind this side effect is the presence of hormones Progesterone and Estrogen in birth control.
They affect brain function, which may have a negative impact on mood and may turn into Depression for some women using them.
This side effect is not only observed with pills but also with non-oral contraceptives like Intrauterine Devices (IUDs).
Currently, all forms of hormonal contraceptives have a risk of developing Depression.
However, Progesterone-only birth control has a fairly higher chance of causing Depression than Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs).
Can birth control help with Depression
The relationship between birth control and Depression is not always negative.
For people who do not experience side effects of birth control, a few of them also use it to overcome mood swings and Depression.
It can be used for treatment of such symptoms in people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Birth control can help people improve their quality of life by uplifting their mood and lessening the discomfort that comes with a disrupted menstrual cycle.
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YasminFemilonDepression after stopping birth control
Birth control can cause Depression after discontinuation of its use.
Birth control affects hormonal balance in females. So getting off birth control also leads to mood changes.
Depression, anxiety, and other physiological issues are more likely after stopping birth control if they were observed before starting birth control treatment.
Other side effects of birth control
Depression is not the only experienced side effect of birth control. Several other signs can appear alone or alongside others and must be monitored.
Some of them are:
- Irregularity of periods: Progesterone and Estrogen present in birth control stop the release of eggs from ovaries. It also thins the uterine lining, leaving nothing to shed, which results in missed periods
- Bleeding and spotting: Spotting itself is a common side effect of birth control. Taking active pills may result in breakthrough bleeding. It is more prevalent after continuous use of pills
- Weight gain: Weight fluctuation is yet another prominent side effect of birth control. It happens because birth control puts a hefty strain on the body. Fluid retention and increased appetite caused by birth control pills can cause weight gain
- Other mild side effects: Some women also experience bloating, headache, nausea, and breast tenderness due to birth control
These side effects are not observed by all women and mostly go away within two to three months.
Consulting a doctor is best suited in case of any side effects to avoid complications.
Conclusion
Birth control and Depression are correlated.
Depression is one of the most common side effects of birth control. It makes certain women stop the use of this contraceptive method.
Not only this, Depression and mood swings are common after discontinuing the use of birth control. These are more likely in women who had these issues before starting birth control.
However, birth control can have a positive effect on women suffering from Depression.
Those having PMDD and PMS can fight Depression and mood swings with the use of birth control.
With proper guidance from a medical expert and self-awareness, birth control can be an efficient way to avoid pregnancy and improve quality of life without compromising safety.
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