Women who get depressed or feel happier after taking oral contraceptives are more likely to experience other hormone-related mood disorders, such peripartum and perimenopausal depression, as well as premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), according to a study issued by Archives of Women’s Mental Health.Why It’s Relevant
Depression is more frequently diagnosed in women than men and is particularly common during times when hormone levels fluctuate, such as menstruation onset, the peripartum period, and menopause.
Depression is more frequently diagnosed in women than men and is particularly common during times when hormone levels fluctuate, such as menstruation onset, the peripartum period, and menopause.
By the Numbers
- Researchers analyzed survey results from 3,547 women in Australia who were diagnosed with major depression at any point in their lifetime and who had taken oral contraceptive pills.
- Overall, 38% of the women surveyed reported experiencing a negative effect from oral contraceptive pills and 11% reported a positive effect. Both positive and negative mood effects were significantly associated with an increased risk of peripartum depression and PMDD.
- When examining only women who had at least one depressive episode in youth prior to starting the pill, there was no longer any association between positive or negative mood effect and peripartum depression. However, the association between negative mood effect and PMDD remained.
What’s More
Women who reported an adverse mood effect from the pill had higher average polygenic risk scores for major depression than those who had neutral effects.
The Other Side
Study limitations included its reliance on the accurate recall of participants, its lack of information about the type of oral contraceptives or other medications/supplements taken, and the small sample sizes for some disorders. Also, the study’s participants—predominantly highly educated individuals with European ancestry—may not reflect the wider population.
Takeaway Message
“Participants who experience adverse mood effect from oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have greater genetic vulnerability for depression,” the researchers wrote, “and more than half of them have already experienced at least one severe depressive episode prior to OCP use.” They advised that it’s important that contraceptive counselling and care be tailored to the individual.
Related Information
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/Rattankun Thongbun)
