Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of Birth ControlThe ConnectionBirth Control Side EffectsSigns of DepressionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Birth Control
The Connection
Birth Control Side Effects
Signs of Depression
Frequently Asked Questions
Birth controlcomes in many forms, including hormonal and non-hormonal options. Like all other medications, there areside effects associated with contraceptives, such as headaches or irregular bleeding. While many people have reported depressive symptoms while taking hormonal birth control, there is not enough evidence to prove that hormonal contraceptives causedepression.
This article discusses the relationship between hormonal birth control and depression, as well as the types of hormonal birth control and other side effects.
Cris Cantón / Getty Images
Different Types of Birth Control
There are many different types ofbirth controlavailable, including prescription medications (like the pill), intrauterine devices (IUDs), over-the-counter products (e.g., condoms), natural methods, permanent procedures, and emergency contraception.
The most common contraceptive methods currently used in people assigned female at birth between the ages of 15 and 49 are sterilization (18.1%), oral contraceptives (14%), LARCs (long-acting reversible contraceptives, like IUDs and implants) (10.4%), and external condoms (8.4%).
Birth control can broadly be divided into two categories: hormonal birth control and non-hormonal birth control. Non-hormonal methods do not have any side effects that affect mood.
How Effective Is Birth Control?
Hormonal Birth Control
Forms of hormonal birth control include:
Non-hormonal Birth Control
Some forms ofnon-hormonal birth controlinclude:
Emergency ContraceptionTypes ofemergency contraception, including the Plan B One-Step pill (a hormonal option) and the Ella pill (a non-hormonal option), can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception. They are all effective if used within five days of having unprotected sex.
Emergency Contraception
Types ofemergency contraception, including the Plan B One-Step pill (a hormonal option) and the Ella pill (a non-hormonal option), can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception. They are all effective if used within five days of having unprotected sex.
Hormonal Birth Control & Depression
Further research is needed to confirm whether hormonal birth control causes depression, but more recent studies indicate that birth control can lead to depressive symptoms.
A large-scale Danish study published in 2016 found that the research participants who took hormonal birth control were more likely to be diagnosed with depression or to be prescribed an antidepressant. This side effect was most commonly found in adolescents who were taking hormonal contraceptives.
Interestingly, much of the research reports that depressive symptoms subsided over time with continued use.
A separate 2016 review also studied the relationship between combined hormonal birth control and mood, but the results were inconclusive.The study authors suggested that more research and data are needed.
While there is still no definitive evidence to confirm that birth control causes depression, every person reacts differently to certain medications. If you have experienced negative side effects from your birth control, including depressive symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about what other options might work for you.
Other Birth Control Side Effects
Depression is not the only side effect that people can experience while taking hormonal birth control.
Other side effects include:
Depression is a common mental health condition, affecting approximately one in 10 women in the United States.
Symptoms of depression can include:
Help Is AvailableIf you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.For more mental health resources, see thisNational Helpline Database.
Help Is Available
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.For more mental health resources, see thisNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
For more mental health resources, see thisNational Helpline Database.
Summary
Many people report depressive symptoms as a side effect of taking hormonal birth control. Research suggests that the use of hormonal birth control is linked to depression, though it has not been proven that birth control causes depression.
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsSince there is no definitive evidence that proves hormonal birth control causes depression, it is safe for people with depression and other mental illness to take birth control. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you might have so that you can work together to choose the best option for you.If you are concerned about the side effects of hormonal birth control, talk to your healthcare provider about progestin-only birth forms of birth control. Progestin-only options have fewer hormones and produce milder side effects. You can also consider a hormone-free option, such as the copper IUD.There are side effects associated with any form of birth control. The injection and implant are two forms of birth control that are associated with a risk for weight gain. Other types of hormonal contraception do not include weight gain as a primary side effect.Learn MoreBirth Control Guide
Since there is no definitive evidence that proves hormonal birth control causes depression, it is safe for people with depression and other mental illness to take birth control. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you might have so that you can work together to choose the best option for you.
If you are concerned about the side effects of hormonal birth control, talk to your healthcare provider about progestin-only birth forms of birth control. Progestin-only options have fewer hormones and produce milder side effects. You can also consider a hormone-free option, such as the copper IUD.
There are side effects associated with any form of birth control. The injection and implant are two forms of birth control that are associated with a risk for weight gain. Other types of hormonal contraception do not include weight gain as a primary side effect.Learn MoreBirth Control Guide
There are side effects associated with any form of birth control. The injection and implant are two forms of birth control that are associated with a risk for weight gain. Other types of hormonal contraception do not include weight gain as a primary side effect.
Learn MoreBirth Control Guide
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current contraceptive status among women aged 15–49: United States, 2017–2019.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control chart.Planned Parenthood.What kind of emergency contraception should I use?Skovlund CW, Mørch LS, Kessing LV, Lidegaard Ø.Association of hormonal contraception with depression.JAMA Psychiatry. 73(11):1154-1162. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2387Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL.Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review.The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. 21(5):347-355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current contraceptive status among women aged 15–49: United States, 2017–2019.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control chart.Planned Parenthood.What kind of emergency contraception should I use?Skovlund CW, Mørch LS, Kessing LV, Lidegaard Ø.Association of hormonal contraception with depression.JAMA Psychiatry. 73(11):1154-1162. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2387Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL.Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review.The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. 21(5):347-355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current contraceptive status among women aged 15–49: United States, 2017–2019.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control chart.Planned Parenthood.What kind of emergency contraception should I use?Skovlund CW, Mørch LS, Kessing LV, Lidegaard Ø.Association of hormonal contraception with depression.JAMA Psychiatry. 73(11):1154-1162. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2387Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL.Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review.The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. 21(5):347-355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current contraceptive status among women aged 15–49: United States, 2017–2019.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control chart.
Planned Parenthood.What kind of emergency contraception should I use?
Skovlund CW, Mørch LS, Kessing LV, Lidegaard Ø.Association of hormonal contraception with depression.JAMA Psychiatry. 73(11):1154-1162. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2387
Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL.Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review.The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. 21(5):347-355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
