A recent study from Uppsala University revealed that women who use combination contraceptive pills are more likely to experience depression than those who do not.

The study tracked over a quarter of a million women from the UK Biobank From birth through menopause. Combination contraceptive tablets, which include both progestogen and oestrogen, were the method of contraception tested. While oestrogen thins the uterine lining to inhibit the implantation of a fertilized egg, progestogen stops ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperms from entering the uterus. The report recommends that patients and medical professionals be made aware of the adverse effects found in this and prior studies.

The study showed that the incidence of depressive symptoms was 130% higher among women who started using birth control pills as teenagers, compared to a 920% increase in adult users. After the first two years of using the pill, the higher incidence of depression decreased; however, teenage users of the drug remained to have an increased incidence of depression even after quitting use.

The studys findings suggest that healthcare providers should be more aware of potential connections between various bodily systems, such as those between depression and the usage of birth control pills. The researchers intend to investigate other formulations and administration techniques in a subsequent study to provide women with more information and aid them in making well-informed decisions regarding their contraceptive options.

 (Source:https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230612/Womens-use-of-contraceptive-pills-linked-to-greater-risk-of-depression.aspx)