It is normal to experience mood swings before or during your period. However, do you think these changes persist even when you are preventing pregnancy through contraception? The short answer to this question is yes. Experts believe that hormonal contraceptives may affect your brain and cause changes in your temper. While some people find that they become joyful during this time, others have reported experiencing adverse side effects, resulting in a decline in their mental health.
Undoubtedly, every person’s body and brain are different. Therefore, how the brain responds to them also varies. Multiple studies have looked into the possibility of a link between various hormonal birth control types and their impact on attitudes or mental health. However, the results have been conflicting. Continue reading to get a detailed insight into how birth control affects your mood.
How Do Hormonal Contraceptives Work?
Hormonal contraceptives contain a limited quantity of lab-made estrogen and progestin hormones. They can work in several ways to prevent conception by suppressing your body’s natural hormones. Usually, they may prevent ovulation. They might also alter the cervical mucus to make it difficult for the sperm to pass through the cervix and find the egg. To make it unlikely that the fertilized egg gets implanted, they can also change the lining of the womb to prevent pregnancy.
The Link to Mental Health
During a typical menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels may fluctuate. Estrogen levels can peak around day 14 of a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. Many women might feel their best physically and emotionally during that time.
When you use hormonal contraception, your hormones may remain more stable and undergo fewer changes throughout your cycle. For the first 21 days, most of these contraceptives can flatten this irregular hormonal cycle. Additionally, studies have shown that estrogen in various conception prevention methods might raise the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is typically associated with happy and stable mental well-being.
However, when the monthly cycle ends, the levels of estrogen and progestin can plunge during the final seven days. Then this may lead to a decline in estrogen production, resulting in negative emotions.
Even so, the research around this topic is largely inconclusive. Certainly, some methods, such as combination oral pills and implants, reported having severe alterations in your frame of mind. Nonetheless, vaginal rings and shots are linked to a lower likelihood of a change of spirit and adverse impact on mental health.
The Different Types
Different kinds of birth control methods may have different consumer side effects. It is difficult to determine whether a specific way causes mood swings or if other factors are at play. The studies on the impact of hormonal contraception have been inconsistent. This is due to how studies are created and carried out and how the results are determined.
Listed below is a comprehensive list of the different methods and their impact on individuals.
- Pills: Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) pills contain progestin and synthetic estrogen, typically in the form of Ethinyl estradiol. The tablet itself may increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with depression, but the specific composition may make a difference. Overall, according to research in this field, it may be established that COCs do not adversely affect users’ reported attitudes. However, this may differ.
- IUD: The hormonal IUD is a levonorgestrel-only progestin method. According to studies, people who opt for techniques that only include levonorgestrel may be more likely to receive an antidepressant prescription. The hormonal IUD may increase the likelihood of receiving a depression diagnosis or treatment for the condition. However, it does not negatively impact the consumer’s emotions.
- Shot: There are numerous types of shots. As a result, these may affect each person differently. The shot might increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with depression. But there are inconsistent results obtained from people who take it. People do report changes in mood while receiving it. While some people might experience improvements, others might experience a worsened condition.
- Vaginal Ring: The ring is a combined hormonal contraception method containing both Ethinyl estradiol/etonogestrel. According to studies, those who use rings may report adverse effects like depression, irritability, and changes in attitude less frequently than people who take pills. Therefore, even though the ring may increase the likelihood of depression, a more conclusive study is still required.
- Implant: The implant is a progestin-only method of preventing conception. The implant may increase the chance of being treated for depression, but we need more studies to understand if implant users report changes during use.
- Mini-Pills: Mini-pills are tablets that contain progestin solely. These might make it more likely to get a depression diagnosis, but the formulation might differ. We require more studies to determine whether mini-pill users experience changes in temper.
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How Do I Choose the Right Kind?
When it comes to birth control, there may not be a “one size fits all” approach. Different methods cater to individual needs and may have particular side effects in each case. There isn’t an option out there that works well for everyone. Find the one that works with your lifestyle. There are many factors to consider, including cost, effectiveness, and convenience. Apart from these, a few other factors to consider are:
- If not now, would you want to have children someday?
- Do you have any pre-existing health conditions that could impact the method’s safety?
- How often you have sex and the number of partners you have.
- What are the potential side effects of the method that you’re considering?
- Will you be able to use the method efficiently every time?
- What are your periods like, and are you looking for a method to help make them lighter or more regular?
- In what way will you protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections?
- How much control do you prefer over the method you’ve opted for? Some ways require a healthcare visit to stop.
After considering these concerns, compare the various options to help you decide which one is best for you. Additionally, you should be aware that the different methods can be combined for even more protection.
Dealing with the Side Effects
The side effects have been a problem for many women. Specific side effects are so adverse that they can also alter your mood. So, you should speak with a doctor to determine the best approach and prevent any potential adverse effects. However, a few side effects may be present with most of these options. Here’s how to deal with the typical side effects.
- Nausea: Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as eating well, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep, can solve the issue in a few days. If sickness lasts longer, you may want to try a different pill brand or an alternative method. You can also switch to contraceptives that contain progestin solely because they do not make you feel nauseous.
- Weight Gain: Non-hormonal IUDs can be of assistance because they will stop weight gain since they have no hormones.
- Abnormal Bleeding And Spotting: Women can switch to Mirena IUD as it might aid in lowering the heavy blood flow. The reason is that Mirena dramatically thins the lining and causes little to no period. Two other treatments for abnormal bleeding and spotting include Ethinyl estradiol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you adequately address these side effects, you can live a better life and ensure the best for your mental health.
When to Seek Professional Help
While using birth control, be aware of your patterns. There is probably nothing worrisome if you experience happier days than unhappy ones. Nevertheless, it might be time to try a new method if you feel like you have fewer happy times and if you’ve been putting off dealing with a mental health problem for too long. You must always talk to your doctor regarding this.
If your mood changes are mild to moderate, exercise, a healthier diet, relaxation, and other lifestyle adjustments may help you feel better. However, consult a doctor immediately if you experience significant symptoms that impact your everyday life, such as depression, perpetual anxiety, or low energy.
Get Treatment with a Trusted Proved from Docvita Today
With such limited and inconclusive research in this field, you may find it challenging to deal with your feelings. You might be battling with various emotions at a time or feeling hollow on the inside. You might want to speak to a trusted mental health professional in this confusing state.
At DocVita, we provide you with all the additional support you need. We have a comprehensive list of skilled and trained therapists from various specialties who help you reach optimum mental health during difficult times. Hop on to our page and schedule your first session right away!