Best birth control depression

Best Birth Control Methods to Boost Mood Stability

Birth control is a tricky thing. While going on birth control can cause mood swings for some, it can have the opposite effect on others, helping them stabilize mood swings they may typically experience leading up to their period.

If you’re seeking birth control for your mood, you should speak with a healthcare professional to assess your circumstances and select the best option, as birth control can cause worsening mood symptoms for people with a history of depressive symptoms.

Research from 2019 showed that oral contraceptives have less of incidence of negatively impacting mood when compared with nonoral methods. However, the authors cautioned that more evidence is needed to support this.

If your moods are all over the place when your period’s approaching, birth control might provide the mood stability you’re looking for. It just may take some experimenting to find which options work for you (and unfortunately, through trial by error, which may make them worse).

Some methods are definitely better than others when it comes to mood, so we’re digging in deep to help you find the best of the best.

Choosing birth control for mood stability is about more than just the hormones. Here are some important things to consider when narrowing down your choices.

Some methods might require a pelvic exam

Some birth control methods, for instance, intrauterine devices (IUDs), require a pelvic exam.

Pelvic exams can be a trigger for some transgender men and nonbinary folks with gender dysphoria, and they can be traumatic for survivors of sexual abuse. So this may affect your decision when considering birth control options.

You don’t have to stick to the same method forever

You want to make the right choice, but don’t stress too hard. It’s not like you need to commit to the same method forever.

If one birth control method doesn’t have the impact you’re after, causes too many side effects, or you just don’t like it, you can always switch to another.

Some — not all — methods may require a guardian’s consent

Rather not let a parent or guardian in on your birth control? We get it.

You can get birth control in most states without a guardian’s consent, but not with all healthcare professionals.

Contact a local clinic or trusted healthcare professional before making an appointment to learn more about your state’s laws. Thanks to confidentiality laws, they can’t share what you discuss.

If you’re hoping to have your birth control covered by a parent or guardian’s health insurance, call the insurance provider first to ask if the services you access will show up on your parent or guardian’s statement.

Your other option is to pay out of pocket or try to access free or lower cost birth control in your area.

Birth control costs vary widely

Birth control options for mood stability range in cost from free to well over $1,000. How much you’ll pay — if anything — depends on your location, your annual income, and any health insurance coverage you may have.

As well, some methods last longer and might be more cost-effective in the long run.

If you need help covering the cost, many family planning clinics and health centers have programs to help subsidize the cost. (Details in a minute.)

All birth control methods have something going for them, but not every method will be the cat’s pajamas for you. It comes down to different variables and which matter to you most.

Here’s how they measure up in terms of accessibility, ease of use, and more.

Most accessible

If accessibility is what you’re after, these options are the easiest to get your mitts on.

These options include:

• combination birth control pill
• progestin-only “minipill”
• Depo-Provera shot

Most effective at boosting mood stability

Some research shows that most hormonal birth control methods can positively impact premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, like mood swings, but those containing lower amounts of androgenic progestins may have fewer adverse effects on mood.

This — at least partly — explains why one type of birth control gets top honors as most effective for mood stability.

Yaz, a combination birth control pill, is currently the only birth control pill approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It contains drospirenone, a fourth generation progestin with low androgenic activity.

Other birth control methods that work well at keeping hormones — and your moods — in a steady state include:

• extended monophasic birth control pills
• hormonal IUD
• Depo-Provera shot

Most popular

Extended or continuous dose birth control pills win the popularity contest thanks to the long period-free intervals. No period typically means no PMS symptoms, like mood swings.

The minipill is up there, too, because it ticks a lot of boxes as far as birth control perks, like being easy to use and enjoying a lighter flow.

Every body is different, and some are more sensitive to hormones than others. Just because certain methods work wonders on mood stability for some, it doesn’t mean they’ll work for everyone.

Birth control with lower amounts of androgenic progestins, like Yaz for example, may have fewer adverse effects on mood.

If the top dogs in the above categories aren’t right for you, consider the patch or the birth control ring for their effects on moods and other mood-busting period symptoms.

Asking yourself these pertinent Qs before choosing a type of birth control for mood stability will help you narrow down your options and find what’s right for you.

How well does it work for this purpose?

Finding a birth control that’s effective in the pregnancy prevention department is important, obvs.

But if mood stability is your main goal, that’s something you need to consider and mention to your healthcare professional, since not all methods have the same effect.

Is it easy to use?

Ease of use is definitely worth considering, because it can impact your ability to take as directed for the best results.

For instance, if you’re always on the go, you’d probably benefit from a method that you don’t need to remember to take daily.

And since some options involve more than popping a pill, consider how comfortable you are with a method — like, say, a birth control ring that you need to insert yourself or a birth control shot that’s administered using a needle.

What are the potential side effects?

Like any other medication, birth control can cause side effects.

Learn the potential side effects of the options you’re considering to determine if any are dealbreakers.

Does it have any other benefits?

Not all side effects are bad. Some birth control methods offer some pretty awesome perks that are worth considering.

Along with mood stability, some birth control can also help with heavy periods, cramps, and acne.

How much does it cost?

Money matters, so remember to factor in the cost of the medication or device and any related doctor’s appointments.

Remember, you may have options to help you get your birth control for a lot less or even free, depending on:

• where you live
• if you have health insurance
• if you qualify for Medicaid or another government program

How will it affect any preexisting conditions?

If you have any preexisting conditions, you’ll want to talk with a healthcare professional about how different birth control might impact your condition or any medications you take.

This is especially important if you have a history of depression, PMS, PMDD, or another mood disorder, since some people have reported a worsening of symptoms after starting hormonal contraceptives.

A good place to start is with your healthcare professional, if you already have one you like.

You have other options, too:

• health center funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration
• local health department, which you can find by using this online directory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• local Planned Parenthood health center
• telehealth options

Can birth control stabilize mood?

In short, yes.

But it depends on the type of birth control, the hormones involved, and how your body reacts. The best place to start may be a birth control with low androgenic activity.

It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about your options. Make sure to specify you’re hoping for something to help with mood swings and stabilization.

Why does my period give me mood swings?

Mood swings can occur due to hormonal fluctuations throughout your cycle. Estrogen and progesterone drop when your body releases its egg during ovulation, and this can impact your serotonin levels, which play a role in your emotional and mental health.

Different people have different sensitivities to hormonal fluctuation and levels of serotonin, so some may experience more severe mood swings than others.

What are some natural remedies for mood swings during menstruation?

Some research has linked taking a calcium supplement or increasing calcium intake through food with decreased or improved PMS-related mood swings.

However, it can take several cycles for levels to build up in your body to have an impact. Regular exercise, resisting too much junk food, and getting quality sleep may also help.

Need more info? Check out these handy articles:

• “Birth Control Can Cause Mood Swings — Here’s What You Should Know” by Lauren Sharkey
• “Birth Control May Help or Even Worsen PMS — Here’s How to Deal” by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst (That’s me!)
• “How to Find the Best Birth Control Method for Your Lifestyle” by Gabrielle Kassel
• “How to Access Free or Low-Cost Birth Control in Each State” by Gabrielle Kassel

---

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.

Best Birth Control Methods to Boost Mood Stability

Birth control is a tricky thing. While going on birth control can cause mood swings for some, it can have the opposite effect on others, helping them stabilize mood swings they may typically experience leading up to their period.

If you’re seeking birth control for your mood, you should speak with a healthcare professional to assess your circumstances and select the best option, as birth control can cause worsening mood symptoms for people with a history of depressive symptoms.

Research from 2019 showed that oral contraceptives have less of incidence of negatively impacting mood when compared with nonoral methods. However, the authors cautioned that more evidence is needed to support this.

If your moods are all over the place when your period’s approaching, birth control might provide the mood stability you’re looking for. It just may take some experimenting to find which options work for you (and unfortunately, through trial by error, which may make them worse).

Some methods are definitely better than others when it comes to mood, so we’re digging in deep to help you find the best of the best.

Choosing birth control for mood stability is about more than just the hormones. Here are some important things to consider when narrowing down your choices.

Some methods might require a pelvic exam

Some birth control methods, for instance, intrauterine devices (IUDs), require a pelvic exam.

Pelvic exams can be a trigger for some transgender men and nonbinary folks with gender dysphoria, and they can be traumatic for survivors of sexual abuse. So this may affect your decision when considering birth control options.

You don’t have to stick to the same method forever

You want to make the right choice, but don’t stress too hard. It’s not like you need to commit to the same method forever.

If one birth control method doesn’t have the impact you’re after, causes too many side effects, or you just don’t like it, you can always switch to another.

Some — not all — methods may require a guardian’s consent

Rather not let a parent or guardian in on your birth control? We get it.

You can get birth control in most states without a guardian’s consent, but not with all healthcare professionals.

Contact a local clinic or trusted healthcare professional before making an appointment to learn more about your state’s laws. Thanks to confidentiality laws, they can’t share what you discuss.

If you’re hoping to have your birth control covered by a parent or guardian’s health insurance, call the insurance provider first to ask if the services you access will show up on your parent or guardian’s statement.

Your other option is to pay out of pocket or try to access free or lower cost birth control in your area.

Birth control costs vary widely

Birth control options for mood stability range in cost from free to well over $1,000. How much you’ll pay — if anything — depends on your location, your annual income, and any health insurance coverage you may have.

As well, some methods last longer and might be more cost-effective in the long run.

If you need help covering the cost, many family planning clinics and health centers have programs to help subsidize the cost. (Details in a minute.)

All birth control methods have something going for them, but not every method will be the cat’s pajamas for you. It comes down to different variables and which matter to you most.

Here’s how they measure up in terms of accessibility, ease of use, and more.

Most accessible

If accessibility is what you’re after, these options are the easiest to get your mitts on.

These options include:

• combination birth control pill
• progestin-only “minipill”
• Depo-Provera shot

Most effective at boosting mood stability

Some research shows that most hormonal birth control methods can positively impact premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, like mood swings, but those containing lower amounts of androgenic progestins may have fewer adverse effects on mood.

This — at least partly — explains why one type of birth control gets top honors as most effective for mood stability.

Yaz, a combination birth control pill, is currently the only birth control pill approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It contains drospirenone, a fourth generation progestin with low androgenic activity.

Other birth control methods that work well at keeping hormones — and your moods — in a steady state include:

• extended monophasic birth control pills
• hormonal IUD
• Depo-Provera shot

Most popular

Extended or continuous dose birth control pills win the popularity contest thanks to the long period-free intervals. No period typically means no PMS symptoms, like mood swings.

The minipill is up there, too, because it ticks a lot of boxes as far as birth control perks, like being easy to use and enjoying a lighter flow.

Every body is different, and some are more sensitive to hormones than others. Just because certain methods work wonders on mood stability for some, it doesn’t mean they’ll work for everyone.

Birth control with lower amounts of androgenic progestins, like Yaz for example, may have fewer adverse effects on mood.

If the top dogs in the above categories aren’t right for you, consider the patch or the birth control ring for their effects on moods and other mood-busting period symptoms.

Asking yourself these pertinent Qs before choosing a type of birth control for mood stability will help you narrow down your options and find what’s right for you.

How well does it work for this purpose?

Finding a birth control that’s effective in the pregnancy prevention department is important, obvs.

But if mood stability is your main goal, that’s something you need to consider and mention to your healthcare professional, since not all methods have the same effect.

Is it easy to use?

Ease of use is definitely worth considering, because it can impact your ability to take as directed for the best results.

For instance, if you’re always on the go, you’d probably benefit from a method that you don’t need to remember to take daily.

And since some options involve more than popping a pill, consider how comfortable you are with a method — like, say, a birth control ring that you need to insert yourself or a birth control shot that’s administered using a needle.

What are the potential side effects?

Like any other medication, birth control can cause side effects.

Learn the potential side effects of the options you’re considering to determine if any are dealbreakers.

Does it have any other benefits?

Not all side effects are bad. Some birth control methods offer some pretty awesome perks that are worth considering.

Along with mood stability, some birth control can also help with heavy periods, cramps, and acne.

How much does it cost?

Money matters, so remember to factor in the cost of the medication or device and any related doctor’s appointments.

Remember, you may have options to help you get your birth control for a lot less or even free, depending on:

• where you live
• if you have health insurance
• if you qualify for Medicaid or another government program

How will it affect any preexisting conditions?

If you have any preexisting conditions, you’ll want to talk with a healthcare professional about how different birth control might impact your condition or any medications you take.

This is especially important if you have a history of depression, PMS, PMDD, or another mood disorder, since some people have reported a worsening of symptoms after starting hormonal contraceptives.

A good place to start is with your healthcare professional, if you already have one you like.

You have other options, too:

• health center funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration
• local health department, which you can find by using this online directory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• local Planned Parenthood health center
• telehealth options

Can birth control stabilize mood?

In short, yes.

But it depends on the type of birth control, the hormones involved, and how your body reacts. The best place to start may be a birth control with low androgenic activity.

It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about your options. Make sure to specify you’re hoping for something to help with mood swings and stabilization.

Why does my period give me mood swings?

Mood swings can occur due to hormonal fluctuations throughout your cycle. Estrogen and progesterone drop when your body releases its egg during ovulation, and this can impact your serotonin levels, which play a role in your emotional and mental health.

Different people have different sensitivities to hormonal fluctuation and levels of serotonin, so some may experience more severe mood swings than others.

What are some natural remedies for mood swings during menstruation?

Some research has linked taking a calcium supplement or increasing calcium intake through food with decreased or improved PMS-related mood swings.

However, it can take several cycles for levels to build up in your body to have an impact. Regular exercise, resisting too much junk food, and getting quality sleep may also help.

Need more info? Check out these handy articles:

• “Birth Control Can Cause Mood Swings — Here’s What You Should Know” by Lauren Sharkey
• “Birth Control May Help or Even Worsen PMS — Here’s How to Deal” by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst (That’s me!)
• “How to Find the Best Birth Control Method for Your Lifestyle” by Gabrielle Kassel
• “How to Access Free or Low-Cost Birth Control in Each State” by Gabrielle Kassel

---

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.

Doctors: birth control pills can cause depression - Gazeta.Ru

Doctors: birth control pills can cause depression - Gazeta.Ru | News

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September 30, 2016, 09:09 Science

Women who take hormonal contraceptives are more prone to depression, report in the journal JAMA Psychiatry scientists from Danmark University.
“The use of hormonal contraceptives, especially by young girls, is associated with the subsequent occurrence of depression. Apparently, depression is a side effect of taking the pills, ”the researchers write. The connection between taking contraceptives and the appearance of depression was noticed a long time ago, but large-scale studies have not yet been conducted. nine0003

Scientists worked with the medical data of more than one million girls aged 15-34 from 2000-2013. 55% of the study participants used hormonal contraceptives. Depending on the type of contraceptive and the duration of its last use, the likelihood of depression varied from 20 to 34%.

However, earlier studies showed either a small percentage of the deterioration in the mental health of girls, or did not reveal dependence at all. The team is going to study this topic in more detail, and for now, girls are advised to select hormonal pills only with the help of a competent gynecologist. nine0003

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Birth control pills have not been proven to be associated with depression

December 13, 2016

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Photo copyright, BSIP

Photo caption,

Some of the side effects of birth control pills have been well known since they were on the market in the 1960s.

One scientific study recently postulated an association between the use of birth control pills and the risk of depression.

This is not the first study purporting to find unwanted side effects of birth control pills.

But, as Elisabeth Kassin writes, an illiterate interpretation of statistics poses a much greater danger to women's health. nine0003

According to the World Health Organization, over 100 million women around the world use combined oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills.

Some of the side effects of these tablets have been well known since they were introduced to the market in the 1960s. But a recent study allegedly established a link between birth control pills and depression.

Danish scientists studied the medical records of more than a million women aged 15 to 34 who had never suffered from depression in the past. nine0003

They found that those who took birth control pills were more likely to be prescribed antidepressants or diagnosed with depression later on by doctors.

The results of the study were reported in the press around the world. "Do you take birth control pills? You are more likely to be depressed: women who take contraceptives are 70% more likely to suffer from depression," one newspaper loudly declared. "Contraceptive pills are associated with depression. Why didn't a scandal erupt?" asked another. nine0003

Image copyright, Getty Images

Image caption,

Randomized trial of birth control pills is impossible

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However, as Phil Hannaford of the University of Aberdeen points out, the Danish study showed only "a small effect, if any." nine0003

Of every 100 women not taking birth control pills, 1.7 used antidepressants. Among every 100 women taking oral contraceptives, this number is slightly higher - 2.2.

According to Hannaford, this is a very small difference. "The difference is 0.5, which is one woman in every 200," he says.

Although these data indicate a statistical relationship, they do not say anything about causality, as some other factors may be at work in this case. nine0003

"For example, some of the women who take birth control pills may have separated from their partners. This, in turn, can lead to depression," he notes.

Such studies are sufficient to suggest a hypothesis, but we should not forget that they do not provide evidence for a causal relationship, adds Phil Hannaford.

This requires a large randomized controlled trial in which one group of women is given the test substance and another is given a placebo. nine0003

In this case, this is not possible (and unethical) because women who receive a placebo would think they are taking contraceptives and would not take other steps to prevent conception.

Image copyright, Getty Images

Image caption,

Birth control pills from the 1970s

This is not the first time scientists have talked about the possible side effects of birth control pills.

Rare cases of blood clots, which can be life-threatening, attract the most attention. nine0003

But a poor understanding of the degree of risk can lead to undesirable consequences.

Professor Gerd Gigerenzer of the Harding Center for Risk Literacy in Berlin says that "There are many traditions in the UK, including scaring people about the risks associated with birth control pills. Since the early 60s, women have been scared every couple of years that these pills lead to thrombosis.

In 1995, the British Medicines Safety Board issued an official warning, citing a study showing that third-generation birth control pills "doubled the risk of thrombosis". nine0003

"The alarm has gone off all over the country," says Prof. Gigerenzer.

As a result of this panic, some women stopped taking contraceptives. According to some estimates, this led to an increase in the birth rate by 12,400 babies in 1996 and 13,600 additional abortions.

"This is an example of a lack of risk literacy - not understanding the difference between relative and absolute risk leads to an emotional reaction, which in turn leads to negative consequences for the women themselves," he says. nine0003

Image copyright, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Photo caption,

Pregnancy and childbirth cause thrombosis more often than the birth control pill

What is the absolute risk? And how should women understand it?

The Guardian recently published a film about young women who died of blood clots after using hormonal contraceptives - birth control pills, vaginal rings and patches.

The authors of the film argue that if women knew about the mortality rate, they would stop using hormonal contraceptives. They also state that out of 10,000 women who use vaginal rings, at least a few die. nine0003

"It's not certain that a few out of 10,000 women will die," says Dr Sarah Hardman of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

"It would be more accurate to say that a few out of 10,000 women - between five and 12 - will develop thrombosis. But not all of them will die from this. In fact, only about 1% of women who develop thrombosis die" she says.

"We are talking about the fact that three to 10 out of every million women die due to blood clots resulting from the use of hormonal contraception," emphasizes Hardman. nine0003

For women of reproductive age who do not use hormonal contraceptives, only two out of 10,000 women a year face a fatal outcome.

But, of course, not using birth control pills to avoid thrombosis increases the risk of pregnancy. And pregnancy, in turn, in itself dramatically increases the risk of thrombosis.

"Among pregnant women, it's about 29 per 10,000," says Dr. Hardman.

"In the first few weeks after childbirth, the risk of developing blood clots affects between 300 and 400 out of 10,000 women," she continues.

---

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