Women who use combined contraceptive pills are significantly more likely to develop depression than non-users. The study was published in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences.
Around 151 million women of reproductive age globally use oral hormonal contraceptives. While the pills may benefit some women wishing to avoid unwanted pregnancies, studies show that use of hormonal contraceptives may increase one's risk for depression. Although the link is well-established in adolescents, how oral contraceptives may affect depression risk in adults remains less clear.
In the current study, researchers examined the link between oral contraceptive use and depression. Altogether, they included data from 264, 557 women from the UK Biobank, including time of first depression diagnosis and use of combined contraceptive pills. Combined contraceptive pills contain progestogen- which prevents ovulation- and estrogen, which hinders the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Matching previous studies, they found that women who began using contraceptives during adolescence were 130% more likely to develop symptoms of depression than non-users. Adults who began using contraceptives were 92% more likely to develop depression than non-users.
The researchers further found that the risk of depression was particularly high within the first two years of pill use, and that this declined over time. They further found that teenage users of contraceptive pills were still more likely to develop depression even after stopping using the pill, however this was not the same in adult users.
"The powerful influence of contraceptive pills on teenagers can be ascribed to the hormonal changes caused by puberty. As women in that age group have already experienced substantial hormonal changes, they can be more receptive not only to hormonal changes but also to other life experiences," said Therese Johansson of the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology at Uppsala University, one of the researchers leading the study, in a press release.
The researchers noted that their findings make it important for care providers to inform women considering contraceptive pills about their potential link to depression. They noted, however, that as they only studied one form of contraception, they can not generalize for other varieties such as progestin-only mini pills, contraceptive patches, or hormonal spirals. They hope to be able to examine such future formulations and methods of administration in future studies.
Sources: Science Daily, Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences
