All over the world, millions of women use contraceptive pills. And aside from their primary use as a means of avoiding pregnancy, they’re also prescribed for women who have irregular menstrual cycles, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), among others.
However, a study claims that contraceptive pills may be causing depression in the women taking them.
Adolescent girls had the most risk
The study also found that women who had contraceptive implants, patches, and IUDs or intrauterine devices were also affected. They also added that adolescent girls had the most risk, and those taking combined contraceptive pills were 80% more likely to be given antidepressants.
The researchers also pointed out that other studies have shown that an increase in progesterone levels, or the hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, has been known to cause a decrease in mood levels. The contraceptive pills in question contain progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone.
In spite of these initial findings, the authors hope that more studies will be conducted to investigate if the pills are indeed causing depression.
According to Dr. Channa Jayasena, a lecturer from the Imperial College of London, “This study raises important questions about the pill. In over a million Danish women, depression was associated with contraceptive pill use. The study does not prove [and does not claim] that the pill plays any role in the development of depression. However, we know hormones play a hugely important role in regulating human behaviour.”
Always consult your doctor
While the study has shown a connection between contraceptive use and depression, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will suffer from depression once you take contraceptives. On the contrary, the study shows just how important it is for researchers to do more studies regarding the effects that contraceptive pills might have on the body.
If you’re interested in using contraceptive pills, it’s best to always consult your doctor first. They should be able to give you more information about the positive as well as the negative effects of pills. The information that they provide will help you make a more informed decision about using pills.
Alternatively, there are a number of other forms of contraception such as condoms, calendar method, etc., that are readily available should you decide that using contraceptive pills is not right for you. You can always consult different health centers or clinics to learn more information about these methods.
READ: Should health risks linked to birth control alarm you? Experts settle the score
Sources: The Guardian, ArchPsyc, Young Women’s Health
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