Study Says Contraceptives May Raise Postpartum Depression Risk By 49%

A study published in the 'JAMA Network Open' revealed a connection between the usage of contraceptive pills among new mothers and an increased risk of depression. It is known that hormones significantly influence mood and the overall mental well-being of a person. Therefore, birth control pills, which regulate the estrogen and progesterone levels in women, have a significant impact on their emotional stability.

Oral Contraceptives And Postpartum Depression 

Previous research work on the same has long linked hormonal contraceptives to a heightened postpartum depression risk in women, particularly among teenagers and young adults. However, this latest study focuses specifically on new mothers, a group already navigating the challenges of the postpartum period.  

The months following childbirth bring immense joy into the lives of women however what they also bring is stress and anxiety. Introducing hormonal contraceptives into this delicate phase may further impact their mental health.  

The study analyzed data from over 610,000 first-time mothers in Denmark, uncovering surprising findings—

• It revealed that 40% of these women used hormonal contraceptives within a year of giving birth.

• Alarmingly, those who did were 49% more likely to develop depression than those who didn’t.

• Even more concerning, the timing of contraceptive use played a critical role, women who started taking the pill earlier in the postpartum phase faced the highest risk.  

These findings urge new mothers and healthcare providers to weigh the mental health implications of birth control choices during the postpartum period.

How Different Contraceptives Affect Your Body?

As per the study, hormonal contraceptives are further categorised into four types: combined oral and non-oral contraceptives, as well as progestogen-only pills and non-oral alternatives.

It was found that the progestogen-only pills followed a unique pattern compared to the others. While they posed a lower risk initially, the risk of depression kept gradually increasing over time. This suggests that for progestogen-only pills, the timing of use plays a very important role in how the risk develops.

Does Birth Control Directly Lead to Depression?

Now, believing that postpartum contraceptives are the only factor contributing to depression is not right, they are one of several risk elements, including pre-existing mental health conditions, postpartum stress, and significant lifestyle changes.  

As per researchers, healthcare providers should assess a woman’s mental health history before prescribing contraceptives and be open about the potential risks, such as postpartum depression.