Does Birth Control Cause Mood Swings?
Each type of birth control has side effects and risks that need to be taken into consideration. Hormonal birth control, such as the pill and the Depo Provera injection, are the most common types of birth control methods that cause mood swings.
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Hormonal Birth Control
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Hormonal birth control works to prevent pregnancy by tricking the reproductive system into skipping an important step needed to get pregnant. The gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) is prevented from stimulating the rest of the reproductive system into preparing for a pregnancy.
Side Effects
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Side effects of birth control may be different for every woman. According to Health magazine's article, "Hormonal Birth Control Can Mess With Your Mood (And Sex Drive)," the most common side effects are nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings and low libido.
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Significance
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According to a study done by Professor Jayashri Kulkarni from the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine at Monash University, women who take an oral contraceptive are more likely to experience depression than those not on the pill.
Types of Hormonal Birth Control
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The pill, or oral contraception, is the most common type of hormonal birth control used by women; however, other hormonal birth control includes the Nuva ring, Depo Provera injections, skin patches, implants such as Norplant, and IUDs.
Considerations
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Hormonal birth control's effects can be reversed. If mood swings are severe or depression occurs, then switching the type of birth control may be the best option. Talk to your health care provider to find out what will work best for you.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sara Björk
