From Mother Jones · Reveal · · 1m 10s
The mood side effects of birth control we ignore
Research shows hormonal contraceptives increase depression risk, but doctors rarely mention it.
In brief
Research shows hormonal contraceptives increase depression risk, but doctors rarely mention it. Hormonal birth control can significantly affect mental health, yet this connection remains underexplored in medical practice and public conversation. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
One reporter's unexpected discovery
Mother Jones reporter Julia Lurie felt happier and calmer after removing her IUD, prompting her to investigate what science says about hormonal birth control and mood.
Research shows real mental health risks
Studies have found that people on hormonal contraceptives are much more likely to experience depression, suicidality, anxiety, insomnia, and other mood effects that doctors rarely discuss.
Changes can happen fast
For some women, mood changes from hormonal contraceptives can be almost immediate, according to OB-GYN and contraceptive researcher Dr. Ojvind Lidegaard.
“For some women, it can be an almost overnight change.”
The politicization problem
Discussing birth control side effects is complicated by misinformation and political polarization, making it hard to have honest conversations without fueling anti-contraception arguments.
Gaps in women's health research
From contraceptives to menopause, significant gaps remain in how reproductive health is studied and communicated to patients.
The essence
Hormonal birth control can significantly affect mental health, yet this connection remains underexplored in medical practice and public conversation.
