Take the contraceptive pill would not increase the risk of depressionaccording to results of a study published in the medical journal Contraception.
Researchers at Ohio State University (USA) conducted a meta-analysis with thousands of studies on various contraceptive methods (injections, implants, pill) and the Mental Health. They examined the effects of hormonal contraceptives on women after their childbirthon adolescents and people with a history of depression.
Hormonal contraception does not promote depression
All the studies lead to the same conclusion: there is little evidence linking contraception and depression.
“Depression is a concern for many women who start hormonal birth control, especially when it contains progesterone“says Dr. Brett Worly, lead study author and obstetrician-gynecologist at Wexner Medical Center. “Our results show that this side effect shouldn’t be a concern for most women, and they can be comfortable with a choice made in complete safety.”
Women who are unsure which contraceptive to choose be reassured that the pills are safe and do not cause depression. On the other hand, adolescent girls and pregnant womenmore at risk of depression should be better monitored by health professionals.
“For these patients, it is important to maintain a good relationship with the health personnel, in order to be properly monitored, whatever the medication they are taking,” he advises.
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