Study has found women taking the contraceptive pill face a higher risk of depression. Taking the most popular type of the pill meant women were 23 % more likely to be later put on anti-depressants than non-users.
Teenagers between 15 to 19 on the pill were even more affected and 80 % more likely to be treated for depression than non-users.
The risk also applied to those taking hormonal contraceptives in other forms. Skin patches doubled the risk, the contraceptive ring raised it by 60%, and the coil by 40%.
Scientists suspect a link with progesterone, which regulates the monthly menstrual cycle and has been linked to having a negative effect on mood. Experts say the findings raise “important questions” but are urging women not to be alarmed.
Over six years, participants taking combined oral contraceptives containing a mixture of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen were shown to be 23 % more likely than non-users to be treated with antidepressants for the first time.
Users of pills that contain only progesterone rather than a hormone mix had a 34 % increased risk. Progesterone is thought to be the major factor in the link to depression, although oestrogen the other key hormone involved in controlling the menstrual cycle is also known to affect systems in the brain connected to mood.
“We advise women to discuss their options with a doctor, where they will discuss the possible side effects and decisions around the most suitable method can be made.”