The launch of hormonal contraceptives in the 1960s changed the autonomy of those who could conceive…but did it come at the expense of mental health?
As proven by international platforms such as Independent and the BBC, emerged a wave of individuals sharing their negative experiences with hormonal contraceptives. Although the physical side effects are well established, the psychological effects of these drugs have not yet been fully investigated.
Range of hormonal contraceptives available for free at NHS Since its introduction into society, it has expanded rapidly. Options include progesterone injections, intrauterine systems, and more, and each option includes several brands. There are many reasons for taking hormonal contraceptives, including to relieve menstrual symptoms, but the most important goal is to stop conception.
Hormonal contraceptives rely on pharmacological equivalents of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Both methods use these hormonal regimes to trick your brain into thinking you’re already pregnant, thereby preventing ovulation.Between first semesterthe hormonal response is to flood the body with estrogen and progesterone to facilitate the environment necessary for the fetus to develop. Ovulation does not occur until after conception, as the focus is on reaching full term. Various birth control methods may have other effects, such as changes in the lining of the uterus, but their common goal is to stop the release of mature eggs.
Looking outside the contraceptive lens, female sex hormones have proven important in regulating mental health. However, sex hormones can also have extreme and unpleasant effects.For example, one woman experiences premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which causes physical and emotional symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This is thought to be a result of increased sensitivity to changes in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle. These conflicting experiences suggest different hormonal effects on mental health. Therefore, this illustrates the importance of understanding how changes in natural hormones affect health.
a review Research into the negative psychological effects of contraception has revealed a number of relevant findings. One study found that side effects, such as depressive symptoms, were commonly reported as the main reason for discontinuing hormonal contraception. Additionally, another study using data from over one million women observed an association between hormonal contraceptive use and antidepressant prescriptions. Although these studies lack a direct methodological design, these results suggest that taking hormonal contraceptives may adversely affect mental health.
More directly, psychologists have examined symptoms of depression Finding associations in injectable contraceptive users.Similar findings can be seen in a pilot study pills, difficult emotional experiences while taking hormonal contraceptives. This is not to say that depression and anxiety are inevitable with these drugs. some women I am experiencing a better mood as a result, as seen with my PMDD diagnosis.
The current study leads to two conclusions. First, the current state of understanding is only preliminary. Existing studies need to be further investigated to establish a causal relationship. Second, potential subgroups such as age and ethnicity have not yet been explored. Research should explore different experiences of different people so that any findings can be generalized.
While the current state of research looks daunting, there are recognized gaps in knowledge between mental health and hormonal contraceptives. Faculty of Sexual Health and Reproductive Medicine We identified 10 key issues in contraceptive research. In addition to understanding interventions and tests, four of these issues are directly related to contraceptive side effects. This identification may offer hope that the research community is trying to address the limited insight surrounding these drugs.
There are ways to navigate the confusion around the relationship between mental health and birth control.platforms such as Lowdown It provides an online opportunity to review contraceptives and provides a source of real-life experience. Additionally, anyone who suffers mentally or physically while taking hormonal contraceptives is advised to contact their GP to change their prescription. there is. light exercise Better sleep if you need hormonal contraception.
To answer the first question, the cost-benefit analysis of hormonal contraceptives is complex, extensive, and case-dependent. It may improve, have little or no effect on your health. To ensure that no contraceptive method is suitable for everyone, everyone is genetically different with diverse backgrounds. is not. Here is shown the importance of developing a better understanding of how hormonal contraceptives affect our mental health.
image: Reproductive Health Coalition upon unsplash
