# Study Links Birth Control Use To Depression

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/wellbeing/mind-mental-health/study-links-birth-control-use-to-depression/
- Published: 2019-12-19T07:00:05+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

## _A study from Denmark has found that women who take commonly prescribed contraceptive options may be at an increased risk of depression._

> Data from more than one million Daniesh women was analysed in the study which 
> showed that women taking the most popular type of pill were also 23% more likely
> to be prescribed an antidepressant over non-contraceptive users.

[⌊Birth control pills shown highlighting potential link to depression⌉⌊Birth control pills shown highlighting potential link to depression⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/joven.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

More worryingly, the study found that the contraceptive patch was one of the worst
offenders.

### **More Details…**

Danish researchers from the University of Copenhagen, led by Dr Øjvind Lidegaard,
published their findings in the journal[ Jama Psychiatry](http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/the-birth-control-pill-taken-by-women-may-be-linked-to-depression-states-danish-study/news-story/bf70d064638b77a6484b3e47af563d23).

The study took data from Denmark’s national registries, including from more than
one million teenage girls and adult women aged 15-34. Over a period of six years,
researchers were able to see that women taking combined oral contraceptives were
also more likely to be prescribed antidepressants. It seems no contraceptive option
is safe, with progestin-only pills having a 34% increased risk.

[[

Via bigstock

> **Contraceptive patches, which deliver synthetic progesterone through the skin,
> doubled the risk of being prescribed an antidepressant, while contraceptive rings
> and coils raised that risk by 60% and 40% respectively. **

The study also noted that teens on the pill seemed to be more susceptible to depression
than older women, at a rate of about 80% more.

 

[⌊Young woman contemplating birth control pills and mental health effects⌉⌊Young woman contemplating birth control pills and mental health effects⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/1201527183956.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)
The authors of the study believe that both progesterone, and its female hormone 
partner oestrogen, were linked to depression. Progesterone breaks down certain chemicals,
known as metabolites, which have been shown to affect a key part of the inhibitory
system of the central nervous system. As levels of the metabolites increased after
ovulation during the menstrual cycle, some women experience more negative mood tendencies
during this period.

In discussing the results of the study, Dr Øjvind Lidegaard did note that:

> _“Further studies are warranted to examine depression as a potential adverse effect
> of hormonal contraceptive use.”_

While we certainly aren’t recommending that you stop taking contraceptives, particularly
if you have unprotected sex and don’t want to have a baby, but if you’ve been feeling
depressed, these findings might be something worth talking to your doctor about.

## _Did taking contraceptives make you depressed?_

[⌊Study links birth control use to depression⌉⌊Study links birth control use to 
depression⌉[

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)