Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat’s the Link?Its Varied EffectsSymptoms When StartingManaging MoodMoods That StabilizeUnderlying Mood DisordersWhen to Stop?How to Stop
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What’s the Link?
Its Varied Effects
Symptoms When Starting
Managing Mood
Moods That Stabilize
Underlying Mood Disorders
When to Stop?
How to Stop
Hormonal birth controlcan cause mood changes. Synthetic versions of the hormonesestrogenandprogesteroneare contained in birth control. Some people taking birth control may experience mood changes, includingdepression, because these hormones affect brain function.
Learn about birth control, mood changes, and how to support your mental health while on birth control.
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Birth Control, Mood Swings, and Hormones: What’s the Link?
Birth control can affect your mood because the hormones found in birth control affect brain function and the release of mood-regulating chemicals. Chemical brain changes can lead to mood swings.
Why Does Birth Control Affect Everyone Differently?
Birth control affects everyone differently since bodies and brains respond uniquely based ongenetics, age, lifestyle, environment, and health history. For example, some people are more sensitive to shifts in hormone levels and are at a higher risk of developing depression after starting hormonal birth control.
It is essential to consider all factors and consult a healthcare provider, such as anobstetrician-gynecologist(ob-gyn), when considering methods for preventing pregnancy. Discussing your health history and goals can help you make the best decision to minimize side effects such as mood changes.
Mood Symptoms When Starting Birth Control
Birth controlmedications, like other medications, may cause various side effects. With birth control, the side effects are most prominent when first starting it and typically decrease or resolve after a few months. For instance, mood changes and depression are more likely to happen shortly after starting birth control, and the risk goes down after two years of use.
There can be physical changes, too. For example, birth control can lead to insomnia andfeeling tired.Physical side effects can include acne, bloating, headaches,weight gain, and more. While these side effects may not last, it is important to discuss any severe or long-term effects with a healthcare provider to determine the best options.
How to Feel Less Moody on Birth Control
Although it does not happen to everyone who takes birth control, mood changes are possible and can be unpleasant. You can take measures to prevent and improve moodiness, even while continuing with birth control. Options include increased self-care, relaxation, and lifestyle changes.
Birth Control Options Less Likely to Cause Mood and Other Side EffectsEstrogen has neuroprotective (brain-protecting) properties, so birth control options with no hormones (e.g., copper IUD, condoms, surgery, or cycle tracking) or those containing estrogen and progesterone (combination birth control) are less likely to cause mood changes. Progesterone-only birth control (e.g.,the mini pill) is more likely to adversely affect mood, especially in people with a history of anxiety and depression.
Birth Control Options Less Likely to Cause Mood and Other Side Effects
Estrogen has neuroprotective (brain-protecting) properties, so birth control options with no hormones (e.g., copper IUD, condoms, surgery, or cycle tracking) or those containing estrogen and progesterone (combination birth control) are less likely to cause mood changes. Progesterone-only birth control (e.g.,the mini pill) is more likely to adversely affect mood, especially in people with a history of anxiety and depression.
Double Down on Self-Care
Manage Stress
Stresshas been shown to adversely affect physical and mental health, including increased mood challenges and depression risk.Managing stressthrough regular relaxation exercises, stress management techniques, and support from a healthcare provider can help reduce mood changes due to birth control.
Treat Underlying Health Concerns
Underlying medical conditions can lead to mood challenges and depression. For example,polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) can lead to depression.Other conditions affecting mood include autoimmune diseases,cancer, and sleep disorders. Birth control can increase these issues, and treating the underlying health concerns can help alleviate the symptoms.
Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle
Many lifestyle choices can help to improve mood, including propernutrition,exercise, and sleep. Physical activity has been found to help balance hormones among women.Prioritizing physical movement, nutritious foods, and sleep while minimizing processed and sugary foods can help alleviate mood symptoms.
Do Your Moods Stabilize on Birth Control?
Moods can stabilize while on birth control. While 25% of women withdepressionexperience mood symptoms that get worse with birth control, 14% experience improved symptoms.Always consult a healthcare provider any time mood symptoms increase, especially after starting a new medication.
Underlying Mood Disorders and Conditions
Over 60% of women with a medical history ofpsychiatric conditionsexperience increased mood challenges with hormonal birth control.Similarly, symptoms of anxiety and other health conditions may increase.
People who have been diagnosed with or suspectmood disorders, such as depression orbipolar disorder, or any other health concern, should discuss this with a healthcare provider before starting hormonal birth control.
When to Consider Stopping Birth Control Due to Mood Swings
Nearly half of people whostop taking birth controldo so because of side effects, withmoodand psychological side effects topping the list.Anyone experiencing depression or other mood or psychological changes should speak with a healthcare provider about using a different method to prevent pregnancy.
Reasons to consider stopping birth control include:
How to Stop Taking Birth Control
Women have reported experiencingsymptomssuch as increased depression and mood changes after stopping birth control, but research is limited.Consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing any medication, including birth control, to ensure a safe transition off of the medication.
While it is generally OK tostop takingbirth control at any time during the month, it can be beneficial to finish a month’s supply of birth control pills before stopping to make it easier to track your menstrual cycle.
Summary
It is possible to experience mood changes, including depression, after starting hormonal birth control. This is because estrogen and progesterone—the hormones that birth control mimics—affect brain function.
Some ways to address mood changes with birth control include continued stress management, increasing self-care, treating any possible underlying conditions, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, or switching to a different birth control method. Check with a healthcare provider regarding mood changes.
10 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.Mu E, Kulkarni J.Hormonal contraception and mood disorders.Aust Prescr. 2022;45(3):75-79. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2022.025Johansson T, Larsen SV, Bui M, Ek WE, Karlsson T, Johansson Å.Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression.Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2023;32:e39. doi:10.1017/S2045796023000525Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: an online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6). doi:10.1111/jsr.12983Utah State University.How hobbies improve mental health.Giles GE, Mahoney CR, Brunyé TT, Taylor HA, Kanarek RB.Stress effects on mood, HPA axis, and autonomic response: comparison of three psychosocial stress paradigms. Kavushansky A, ed.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(12):e113618. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0113618Kolhe JV, Chhipa AS, Butani S, Chavda V, Patel SS.PCOS and depression: common links and potential targets.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(11):3106-3123. doi:10.1007/s43032-021-00765-2Ennour-Idrissi K, Maunsell E, Diorio C.Effect of physical activity on sex hormones in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:139. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0647-3Massachusetts General Hospital.Do oral contraceptives cause mood swings or depression?.Martell S, Marini C, Kondas CA, Deutch AB.Psychological side effects of hormonal contraception: a disconnect between patients and providers.Contraception and Reproductive Medicine. 2023;8(1):9. doi:10.1186/s40834-022-00204-wNiemann J, Schenk L, Stadler G, Richter M.What happens when you stop using the combined contraceptive pill? A qualitative study protocol on consequences and supply needs for women who discontinued the combined contraceptive pill in Germany.BMJ Open. 2022;12(6):e057089. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057089
10 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.Mu E, Kulkarni J.Hormonal contraception and mood disorders.Aust Prescr. 2022;45(3):75-79. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2022.025Johansson T, Larsen SV, Bui M, Ek WE, Karlsson T, Johansson Å.Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression.Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2023;32:e39. doi:10.1017/S2045796023000525Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: an online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6). doi:10.1111/jsr.12983Utah State University.How hobbies improve mental health.Giles GE, Mahoney CR, Brunyé TT, Taylor HA, Kanarek RB.Stress effects on mood, HPA axis, and autonomic response: comparison of three psychosocial stress paradigms. Kavushansky A, ed.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(12):e113618. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0113618Kolhe JV, Chhipa AS, Butani S, Chavda V, Patel SS.PCOS and depression: common links and potential targets.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(11):3106-3123. doi:10.1007/s43032-021-00765-2Ennour-Idrissi K, Maunsell E, Diorio C.Effect of physical activity on sex hormones in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:139. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0647-3Massachusetts General Hospital.Do oral contraceptives cause mood swings or depression?.Martell S, Marini C, Kondas CA, Deutch AB.Psychological side effects of hormonal contraception: a disconnect between patients and providers.Contraception and Reproductive Medicine. 2023;8(1):9. doi:10.1186/s40834-022-00204-wNiemann J, Schenk L, Stadler G, Richter M.What happens when you stop using the combined contraceptive pill? A qualitative study protocol on consequences and supply needs for women who discontinued the combined contraceptive pill in Germany.BMJ Open. 2022;12(6):e057089. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057089
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.
Mu E, Kulkarni J.Hormonal contraception and mood disorders.Aust Prescr. 2022;45(3):75-79. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2022.025Johansson T, Larsen SV, Bui M, Ek WE, Karlsson T, Johansson Å.Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression.Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2023;32:e39. doi:10.1017/S2045796023000525Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: an online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6). doi:10.1111/jsr.12983Utah State University.How hobbies improve mental health.Giles GE, Mahoney CR, Brunyé TT, Taylor HA, Kanarek RB.Stress effects on mood, HPA axis, and autonomic response: comparison of three psychosocial stress paradigms. Kavushansky A, ed.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(12):e113618. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0113618Kolhe JV, Chhipa AS, Butani S, Chavda V, Patel SS.PCOS and depression: common links and potential targets.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(11):3106-3123. doi:10.1007/s43032-021-00765-2Ennour-Idrissi K, Maunsell E, Diorio C.Effect of physical activity on sex hormones in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:139. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0647-3Massachusetts General Hospital.Do oral contraceptives cause mood swings or depression?.Martell S, Marini C, Kondas CA, Deutch AB.Psychological side effects of hormonal contraception: a disconnect between patients and providers.Contraception and Reproductive Medicine. 2023;8(1):9. doi:10.1186/s40834-022-00204-wNiemann J, Schenk L, Stadler G, Richter M.What happens when you stop using the combined contraceptive pill? A qualitative study protocol on consequences and supply needs for women who discontinued the combined contraceptive pill in Germany.BMJ Open. 2022;12(6):e057089. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057089
Mu E, Kulkarni J.Hormonal contraception and mood disorders.Aust Prescr. 2022;45(3):75-79. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2022.025
Johansson T, Larsen SV, Bui M, Ek WE, Karlsson T, Johansson Å.Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression.Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2023;32:e39. doi:10.1017/S2045796023000525
Bezerra AG, Andersen ML, Pires GN, et al.Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: an online survey.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6). doi:10.1111/jsr.12983
Utah State University.How hobbies improve mental health.
Giles GE, Mahoney CR, Brunyé TT, Taylor HA, Kanarek RB.Stress effects on mood, HPA axis, and autonomic response: comparison of three psychosocial stress paradigms. Kavushansky A, ed.PLoS ONE. 2014;9(12):e113618. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0113618
Kolhe JV, Chhipa AS, Butani S, Chavda V, Patel SS.PCOS and depression: common links and potential targets.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(11):3106-3123. doi:10.1007/s43032-021-00765-2
Ennour-Idrissi K, Maunsell E, Diorio C.Effect of physical activity on sex hormones in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:139. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0647-3
Massachusetts General Hospital.Do oral contraceptives cause mood swings or depression?.
Martell S, Marini C, Kondas CA, Deutch AB.Psychological side effects of hormonal contraception: a disconnect between patients and providers.Contraception and Reproductive Medicine. 2023;8(1):9. doi:10.1186/s40834-022-00204-w
Niemann J, Schenk L, Stadler G, Richter M.What happens when you stop using the combined contraceptive pill? A qualitative study protocol on consequences and supply needs for women who discontinued the combined contraceptive pill in Germany.BMJ Open. 2022;12(6):e057089. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057089
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