Depression caused by birth control?

YES! When I went on oral contraceptives (I was on Ortho), it completely changed my personality! I was much more sensitive about everything, and I would cry ALL the time! I would get angry or super hurt at the smallest things my (then) boyfriend did. My mom finally said I think it’s your birth control. So I got off it and within 2 months I was back to “me” again!

I’m not sure I have great advice because I’ve been on my pill for years now and haven’t had those issues, but I know you’re not stuck with the kind you’re on! If you’re feeling this way, let your doctor know. They should prescribe you a different type/brand. My doctor told me if I ever had side effects I didn’t like to tell them and they would come up with a different solution. Definitely don’t risk feeling this way just for birth control. Good luck!

I don't know what studies you are finding, but I've always read that depression is a side-effect of some types of BC.

I would notify your doctor right away, and ask to change your Rx.

(I used the patch for years, and didn't have those issues, so check out different types.)

What did your doctor say when you spoke with them about your concerns?

It’s a pretty well known issue with BCP. I was miserable whenever I was in the pill - for years long stretches.
I felt best when I used a pretty old fashioned type of birth control, a diaphragm. It’s a barrier method backed up with spermicide gel. I used it for 10 years and did not get pregnant.

This happened to my best friend. She had serious depression and also panick attacks. She is off the pill now and feeling a lot better.


Just because industry-funded studies don't show a link doesn't mean your side effects aren't real. I was recently on a prescription drug that caused chronic fatigue for me. The studies on the drug showed no link but the reality was I was falling asleep at my desk during the day and noe that I'm off it I don't have to take daytime naps anymore.

I'd look into getting an IUD. The hormones are much lower dose and stay local

Sorry to hear you’re going through this. Yes, it happened to me and I was also on Ortho. After I stopped taking it, it felt like the storm clouds had subsided and I felt like myself again. You’re not alone!!

Hormonal birth control (whether patch, pill, or IUD) can absolutely cause depression. Here's an article that discusses it: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-hormonal-birth-control-trigger-depression-2016101710514
OP, talk to your doctor about your concerns. A change in your prescription may help or you may need to discuss other options. Either way, you doctor can't help you if she/he doesn't know what's going on. If you feel like your concerns are being dismissed, find a new doctor.

Yes! I’ve been there, and it is very frustrating and isolating that many doctors and industry studies dismiss it. I also completely agree with prior comments, you should stop and/or change the pill you are on and talk to your doctor about alternatives (or a new doctor if yours doesn’t take this seriously). Also, I highly suggest this book: https://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Brain-Birth-Control-ebook/dp/B07MYLLP21/ref=nodl_
It was reccomended to me by a friend who is a doctor specializing in female reproductive research. It includes new research (not from contraceptive companies) showing how bc can affect your body, as well as specific suggestions on different formulas of bc and how to identify where to make changes. [disclaimer: this is not an ad, just a source I personally found useful while on a similar journey]

Its definitely a possible side effect. Talk to your doctor about it, there are sooo many options now that they should be able to find something that doesnt give you those side effects

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Agree 100%!

I have never liked the idea of hormonal birth control and used a copper IUD for 15 years without any negative side effects. My girlfriends using hormonal options have suffered from weight gain, mood changes, melasma, acne, and more. Hormones influence a lot in your body! OP, you should see about switching birth control (whether to a different hormonal method or a non-hormonal method like copper IUD or condoms).

Oh yes girl it absolutely can mess with you! Please talk to your doc. I had terrible issues with some birth control. To the point where we just relied on condoms. I didn't really enjoy that and talked to my OBGYN. What worked for me was Nuva Ring instead of pills. But that's me, and everyone is affected differently. Your doc can figure out what will work best for you, there are so many options so there's no need for you to suffer. You may even just need a different pill, it could be that simple! All the best!

I was on the pill (can't remember which one since it was about 15 years ago) in high school. There was a LOT going on for me at the time (multiple deaths of friends/family, general teenage angst, pressure for good grades and applying to college, etc.), but I definitely remember feeling not quite "me" when I was on it. I was on it to regulate my period and once the job was done I got off the pill. A couple months later I was definitely feeling better. You should definitely talk to your doctor about this if that's how you're feeling. I have anxiety/depression/PTSD and wouldn't wish any of those on anyone. If a simple change of birth control can help you not experience those crappy side effects, it's way more than worth it.