Birth Control Can Cause Mood Swings — Here’s What You Should Know
You can also alter your diet to include less of the foods and drinks that can cause natural highs and lows and more whole foods . Think: less caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, and more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish.
Birth Control & Mood Swings: What You Need to Know
Any changes to your hormones can affect your mood. That includes natural changes during your menstrual cycle and changes caused by hormonal birth control.
Does birth control increase mood swings? Birth control can increase mood swings, particularly in anyone with a history of depressive symptoms. Others may report a more balanced mood on certain types of birth control.
How one person reacts to hormonal birth control may differ from the next. That’s why it’s important to know what to watch for if you’re among the many contraceptive users worried about whether their birth control is making them moody.
Hormones & Mood Changes
Any hormone imbalance can cause changes in your mood. Whether that imbalance is caused by oral contraceptive use, your menstrual cycle, or lifestyle changes, hormone fluctuations can cause anxiety, mood swings, and even depression.
Hormonal birth control methods work by adjusting hormone levels in the body to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Those adjustments also prevent natural hormonal fluctuations during monthly menstrual cycles.
The last 20 years have seen the cost of medical care increase about 70% faster than the rate of general inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Healthcare inflation dropped to a historical low after 2010 but is again on the rise as of 2018, according to Bloomberg.
In some women, that can cause irritability, anger, anxiety, and mood swings. It can also have the opposite effect.
Can birth control stabilize mood swings from PMS? Birth control can stabilize mood swings from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and alleviate severe period symptoms in some women.
Knowing how your body will react to hormonal birth control can be difficult.
Why the Type of Birth Control Matters
Different forms of hormonal contraception may affect your mood differently. Oral contraceptives have a more extensive research base than other forms, but that may be because they are the most popular and accessible birth control method.
Some women report improvements to their mood in one form over another. You can always work with your doctor to find the contraceptive method that works for you and your mood, particularly if you’re working to find natural remedies for depression.
If you haven’t had luck with hormonal birth control, non-hormonal methods like condoms, copper IUDs, diaphragms, or cervical caps all come without hormonal side effects.
Pills
Oral contraceptive pills are the most common form of hormonal birth control. There are a variety of brands of “the pill,” but they all use hormones to stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy.
Some pill packs contain a series of placebo pills every 21 days to signal the start of your menstrual cycle. Some women skip that series to avoid periods altogether, but talk to your doctor before skipping periods.
There are two main types of oral contraception: combination pills and progestin-only pills, or mini-pills. Combination birth control pills come with both estrogen and progestin, a synthetic progesterone, and the amounts of each may vary by brand.
Naturally-occurring progesterone can work as a natural antidepressant in some. The synthetic hormones used in birth control pills may not have the same effect as natural progesterone, especially in women with a history of mood disorders.
Too much estrogen, on the other hand, can cause cramping, irregular periods, and breakthrough bleeding. Women who are sensitive to higher doses of estrogen and estradiol, in particular, may benefit from a low-dose pill, progestin-only pills, or hormone-free birth control methods.
Implants
Birth control implants like Nexplanon work by releasing progestin into the body from an insertion point in your arm. This is a long-term form of hormonal birth control. Implants can last between 3-5 years.
Limited studies show that the most common reason to remove implants was irregular or heavy bleeding, but 8% of women also reported mood swings as a contributing factor. This may be due to the effects of the increase in progestin.
IUDs
Hormonal IUDs provide long-term contraception by releasing progestin to prevent ovulation. They’re inserted in the uterus, a procedure that can cause quite a bit of pain in some. Similar to hormonal implants, IUDs may cause mood swings in some or improve mood in others.
Non-hormonal copper IUDs are an option if hormonal IUDs aren’t right for you. The copper creates an unwelcome environment for sperm in the uterus. Women who are prone to painful periods may not want either option, as cramping is a common side effect of IUDs.
Patches
Birth control patches are similar to combination birth control pills. They contain estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. Hormones are released into your bloodstream through a patch on your skin for 21 days. When the 21 days are up, you pull off the patch, and your period begins.
As with any method of hormonal birth control, mood swings are listed as a possible side effect of the birth control patch. Some studies show that the patch, IUDs, and vaginal rings cause more mood changes than oral contraceptives, but research is limited in this area.
Vaginal Rings
Vaginal rings are similar to patches and combination oral contraception. Estrogen and progestin are released in the body to prevent pregnancy, this time through a flexible ring placed outside the vagina. Rings are worn for 3 weeks before removal and the start of your monthly period.
Some women wear rings for up to 5 weeks, but you should check with your healthcare provider before delaying your period.
Mood changes are listed as a common side effect of vaginal rings, but research is limited as to whether it’s more common with the ring than with other hormonal birth control methods. Vaginal ring manufacturer NuvaRing warns of depressive symptoms in women with a history of depression.
Risk Factors
Teens and women with a history of mood disorders may be at higher risk for mood changes on hormonal birth control, but the science is limited. Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS, may also see mood shifts on certain types of birth control.
Due to the variety of birth control methods out there, it’s important to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before starting any form of contraception.
Always follow medical advice that considers your unique medical history, as some forms of contraception aren’t recommended for certain health conditions.
For example, combination birth control pills may not be recommended in patients with a history of blood clots, stroke, or breast cancer. Existing medications also matter, as some can make your birth control method less effective.
An individualized plan is always best, particularly if you have a history of depression or mental health conditions. Before starting a new birth control, you should also consider existing problems with your menstrual cycle and any other women’s health concerns, like the MTHFR mutation.
Identifying Mood Changes
How can I tell if mood swings are due to birth control? You can tell if mood swings are due to birth control if you begin to notice side effects after starting a new birth control regimen.
It can be challenging to note changes in mood at the start. Keep a daily diary to track any noticeable mood shifts before, during, and after your period. Ask roommates or close family members and friends if they’ve noticed any mood changes since you started the new birth control.
If you have trouble accurately describing your emotions, a feelings wheel can help you articulate changes in mood. Most tools like this include some nuance underneath each major emotion. For example, you may feel irritation, but not quite anger, as your hormones are in flux.
How long do mood swings last on birth control? Mood swings can last for several months on birth control, depending on the hormones involved. Some women are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, so mood symptoms may persist indefinitely.
Symptoms that don’t go away after months of hormonal birth control likely mean a new method is best.
Other Potential Side Effects
On top of mood changes, some women may also experience other common side effects on hormonal birth control. Those include:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Changes in sex drive
- Irregular periods or spotting between periods
Again, many side effects are temporary and go away after a few months of use. If your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about alternatives or lifestyle changes that may improve those side effects, including any recommended natural remedies.
Managing Negative Effects of Birth Control
How can I reduce mood swings? You can reduce mood swings by managing stress, improving sleep habits, and adopting a healthy diet. These lifestyle changes work to improve mood no matter what birth control options you choose.
Let’s look at tips to improve your hormonal health in a bit more detail:
- Eat a balanced diet.Balanced nutrition is important to your overall well-being. Limit processed foods and sugars and eat foods rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Protein in particular is important for healthy levels of growth and reproductive hormones.
- Get regular exercise. Moving more can reduce anxiety and boost your serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Start slow with walks or a regular yoga practice if exercise isn’t already a part of your everyday routine.
- Manage stress. Excess stress can boost levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Adopt a regular mindfulness practice or find time each day to do something that brings you joy and reduces stress on your nervous system.
- Practice good sleep hygiene. Healthy routines shouldn’t stop when your day is done. Poor sleep habits can cause brain fog, worsen mood swings, and cause an imbalance in melatonin, your sleep hormone.
- Consider supplements. Vitamins like B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin D can help you naturally reduce stress and improve your mood. Supplements can help your body reach optimal levels if you cannot get enough of each from your diet.
- Talk to your doctor. If your lifestyle changes have had little effect on your mood or you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, you may need to change your contraception. You shouldn’t stick with one method if it’s causing persistent symptoms.
Birth Control Can Cause Mood Swings — Here’s What You Should Know
Some people may find that their mood improves while taking hormonal birth control. Others, however, experience a negative effect on their mental health.
If you’re here, you’re likely wondering if there’s a link between hormonal birth control and mood swings.
Everyone is unique and has the potential to respond to hormonal changes in a different way. Read on to learn about the possible psychological effects of birth control.
Dr. Tania Adib, a consultant gynecologist at Callaly, highlights both the combined oral contraceptive pill and the minipill.
A small 2013 study reported that 4 to 10 percent of combined oral contraceptive users noted adverse mood effects.
Emotional side effects have been found to be one of the best predictors of discontinuing an oral contraceptive or switching to another method.
However, a 2019 review stated that pills provided the strongest conclusions, because they have been the focus of the majority of research.
So, can other hormonal methods lead to mood swings? Potentially, but there’s less research into them.
Conversely, a 2008 study found that those who got the birth control shot were less likely to have mood swings than those who didn’t use hormonal birth control.
The vaginal ring has also been linked to a lower likelihood of mood swings compared with oral contraception. Again, the effects can differ from person to person.
It’s hard to say.
Researchers have found differing results. Plus, it’s difficult to conclude if a particular method of birth control causes mood swings or if other factors play a part.
For example, a 2016 Danish study found that depression could be an adverse effect of any hormonal contraceptive.
But a 2013 U.S. study found that hormonal contraception may “reduce levels of depressive symptoms among young women.” (Mood swings are a symptom of depression.)
Much of the conversation has revolved around the pill. But, while the pill has been linked to adverse mood effects, the hormones in it can actually help to regulate some people’s mood. So, currently, there’s little agreement on whether one method is more likely than another to cause mood swings.
This is even the case if you’re taking other hormonal medication, such as testosterone. After all, both high and low testosterone levels have links to mood changes .
There’s no clear-cut answer.
Some people “with a history of depression are more susceptible to a worsening of their depression while taking the pill,” Adib says.
For example, a 2019 review concluded that hormonal contraception can “lead to mood-related side effects, particularly in women with a history of previous depressive episodes.”
But, Adib adds, many “don’t feel worse — even if they’ve been depressed before.”
Right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there aren’t restrictions on contraceptive methods for people with existing depressive disorders.
It’s very difficult to tell.
As Adib explains, “it isn’t possible to predict how you’ll feel taking a certain contraceptive, and it’s often a case of trying different ones until you find the one that suits you best.”
There’s some research that suggests a greater chance of negative mood effects from the pill if you’re 19 or younger or taking a progestin-only pill .
It also stated that taking a combined oral contraceptive pill could be protective against mood disorders.
But these effects can differ from person to person.
The best thing to do is connect with a healthcare professional about your concerns, detailing your lifestyle and any history of mental health conditions.
They can then use the available research to figure out which method might work best.
For example, Adib says, “one combined oral contraceptive containing the progestogen drospirenone has been found to improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. So it’s the best one to use if you [experience] PMS or low mood.”
As no cause and effect has been proven between birth control and mood swings, there isn’t a definitive checklist to tick off.
But, when you start taking hormonal contraception, it’s always a good idea to keep a note of how you’re feeling.
You can use daily diary entries to track changes in your mood and ask a close relative or friend to let you know if they notice changes in your behavior.
If you’re experiencing more down days than happy ones, that’s a sign to connect with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
The potential mood effects of hormonal birth control are still a mystery in some ways, requiring more research.
But much of the research that has been carried out focuses on the pill. So, how can the pill cause changes to your mood?
Well, it “contains synthetic hormones, which can affect neurotransmitters,” Adib explains. These are “chemical messengers that the brain uses to communicate with itself and the different organs in the body.”
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down that communication for a calmer effect. It’s released when its receptors are stimulated by the likes of alcohol and a type of natural steroid produced in the body when progesterone breaks down.
That’s important, because a synthetic version of progesterone is found in all forms of hormonal contraception.
But, unlike natural progesterone, the artificial version doesn’t seem to have the same effect on GABA receptors. And GABA under-stimulation has been linked to depression and PMS .
Other neurotransmitters, such as levels of the feel-good dopamine and serotonin, may also be affected by the hormones in birth control.
This could be due to progesterone’s ability to make rewarding things feel less rewarding . This dampened reward response has been noted in hormonal contraceptive users, but needs more investigation.
Some changes to your lifestyle can help regulate your mood, although it’s always best to see a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
You can try to exercise more regularly to release those feel-good hormones and work toward a sleep routine of around 8 hours every night.
You can also alter your diet to include less of the foods and drinks that can cause natural highs and lows and more whole foods . Think: less caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, and more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish.
Relaxation techniques, like meditation, can also help if stress levels are impacting your mood.
Yes. “Other mood-related symptoms include anxiety, depression, and irritability,” Adib says.
Plus, she adds, “physical side effects of breast tenderness, weight gain, and bloating can also affect your psychological health.”
The same lifestyle changes — eating a balanced diet, being physically active, and following a sleep routine — can help.
If you have an underlying condition, like anxiety or depression, you may find medication or other clinical treatment methods beneficial.
If you’re concerned about your current contraception and emotional state, or if you’re considering a new form of birth control, a doctor or other healthcare professional is the best person to speak to.
Being open with how you feel will help them find the best option for you, whether that’s a different contraceptive or referral to a mental health specialist.
This is where a diary comes in handy. The more information your doctor has, the easier it’ll be for them to assist.
“Changing [your] contraceptive method to the copper coil, which contains no hormones, is certainly an option,” Adib says. (FYI: Contraceptive coils are also known as intrauterine devices, or IUDs.)
But there’s always a chance that a swap will have no effect on your mood.
If you experience PMS, a hormonal method may help balance your hormones. But this doesn’t necessarily mean sticking with the method you’re currently on.
As Adib points out, IUDs containing a synthetic progestin “can improve mood as most of the hormone stays locally in the womb and very little is absorbed into the body, reducing the chance of mood-related changes.”
“Lower dose hormone coils are available,” she adds, “so there are many options.”
Regardless of whether you’re experiencing detrimental side effects, coming off of hormonal birth control is always an option.
Before taking any steps, it’s always a good idea to visit a doctor or sexual health clinic for advice on how to stop the method you’re taking and how to prevent pregnancy, should you wish to do so.
Generally, pills and patches can be stopped at any time, and you’ll need to use another form of contraception immediately if you want to prevent pregnancy.
(But planning when you stop — like waiting until the end of the pill pack — can help you predict the timing of your next period.)
Implants and IUDs need to be removed by a healthcare professional. You’ll need to use an alternative contraceptive, such as condoms, straight away to prevent pregnancy.
With the birth control shot, things are slightly different. As you get the shot every few months, you can simply stop booking repeat appointments.
But its contraceptive effects can last for a while — up to 18 months in some cases. So talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional to find out when you may need to use another form of contraception.
Stopping hormonal birth control can cause a few changes as your body’s hormone levels return to their natural state.
Everyone is different, but periods can be irregular for a couple of months or come with lighter or heavier bleeding. You may also notice spotting in between periods.
If you’re still experiencing menstrual irregularities 3 months after stopping, have a doctor check that there’s nothing else going on.
If you started hormonal birth control to help conditions, such as acne and PMS, you may also notice previous symptoms returning. Similarly, any effects caused by your birth control, like headaches or weight gain, can disappear once the hormones leave your body.
Right now, there’s no way to predict whether birth control will have a positive or negative effect on your mood. There’s a possibility of either — or no change at all.
As always, bring up any concerns to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
And remember that there are lots of hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive options out there. So if one doesn’t work for you, that doesn’t mean you need to steer clear of the rest.
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in women’s issues. When she isn’t trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.
Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2021
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