Friday, March 29, 2024

Can The Birth Control Implant Cause Depression

Other Side Effects Of Birth Control

My First Birth Control Implant | Seventeen Firsts

The side effects of taking hormonal birth control can include:

  • Missed periods or breakthrough bleeding
  • Breast cancer risk
  • Cervical cancer risk

If you experience any of these side effects or if you are more susceptible to certain diseases, talk to your healthcare provider about the right options for you.

Can Birth Control Impact Anxiety And Depression

Firstly, its important to understandhow hormonal birth control works to fully appreciate its effects on emotions and moods.

During the menstrual cycle, the hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are continuously rising and falling. The rise and fall of each of these hormones trigger different biological responses, including ovulation and menstruation.

When a woman starts taking hormonal birth control, hormones are prevented from rising and falling continuously, and in most cases, the hormones should be pretty stable. The body is exposed to a continuous level of hormones to trick the body into thinking it is already pregnant, thus preventing ovulation from occurring. If a woman takes monthly hormonal birth control pills, she will get awithdrawal bleed which mimics a period at the end of each month. Women on regular birth control pills can choose to skip the monthly bleed by skipping the last week of pills of a 4-week pack and going straight into the next pack.

Hormonal birth control can cause some side effects, such as,spotting, and nausea. Also, there are mental health side effects that can occur, including mood swings, depression, and increased feelings of nervousness or anxiety. However, most people do not experience changes in mood or any adverse side effects while taking hormonal birth control, though it is a risk.

Why Hormonal Impact On Mood Is Hard To Measure

Studies on hormonal contraception and mood effects have had inconsistent results. Some of this inconsistency is likely because studies are designed and carried out differently and have different ways of measuring mood and mental health outcomes .

There are few randomized controlled trials on the subject, which involve taking a group of people and randomly assigning them to either take hormonal birth control or not. Most of the studies done on mood and hormonal birth control are based on groups of people who chose for themselves what type of birth control they wanted to use. This leaves open the possibility that the outcomes of the study arenât related to the birth control itself, but to some other factor that would lead people to choose that method . Some studies try to account for personal, familial, or societal factors that can increase a personâs risk for depression, but it can be hard.

Study results are often reported as the average for the group of participants, and do not take into account the experience of individuals. Even in a study that concludes that hormonal birth control does not affect mood, there will be small numbers of individuals in that study that have improvement or worsening of their mood .

Recommended Reading: How To Keep From Being Depressed

Hormonal Birth Control And Depression: Is There A Link

Hormonal birth control comes in many forms. It includes the pill, the implant, the intrauterine device , the patch, the shot, as well as the vaginal ring.

These forms of hormonal contraceptives use hormones to prevent pregnancy.

But can these methods of birth control really alleviate symptoms of depression?

This has been a cause for worry on the copper IUD Paragard.

Even though this birth control device does not make use of hormones, recently filed complaints in the Paragard lawsuit have mainly spoken of the device being prone to breaking inside the body of the woman who had it implanted, in some rare and severe cases, side effects and injuries were not the only worries that women had after using Paragard.

For instance, once the birth control device breaks, its pieces can become embedded so deeply into the womans tissue to the point that a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus is necessary.

Side effects and injuries may be painful, but additional surgeries that may burden patients not only with a permanent injury but also with additional costs from medical procedures may ultimately lead to devastating psychological consequences which can affect someones overall quality of life.

Heres the thing: hormones are quite complicated.

For instance, a 2016 study of over a million women in Denmark found that there is an increased risk of depression linked to different types of hormonal contraception.

How Worrying Is This

13 Most Common Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

There are important things to know about this study

  • Firstly, the difference is very small – 1 extra person received antidepressants out of 200 people using hormonal methods for a year
  • Secondly, a link doesn’t necessarily mean that contraception causes depression. For example, it could be that there’s another explanation, say that young people who are on hormones are also more likely to have relationship breakups, more heartbreak and therefore more depression.
  • Some studies from other countries found the same link, some show the opposite , and other studies found no link between depression and hormonal contraception.

Recommended Reading: Is There A Medication That Treats Both Depression And Pain

How Much Does A Birth Control Implant Cost

How much youll pay for a birth control implant depends on whether or not youre insured.

The Affordable Care Act requires that birth control is covered without a copayment or coinsurance, regardless of your plan type and whether youve met your annual deductible. Other services, however, like administration and fees of the insertion or removal of an implant are not specified in the ACA.

According to the Planned Parenthood site, the birth control implant can cost up to $1,300, but its often covered for free under health insurance plans.

Removal of the implant can cost up to $300, but that too may be covered for free under health insurance plans. Prices can change unexpectedly, so if you have any questions, its best to ask before your visit.

Most people who have Medicare or Medicaid dont pay anything at all for the implant. Those that do have to pay an out-of-pocket share may pay up to $1,030, which is the current list price for the device.

If you dont have insurance, the ACA Marketplace offers private insurance plans for people who dont have coverage through their employer. Birth control is covered by the plans sold on the marketplace.

If you dont have insurance and dont qualify for Medicaid, you may still be able to get the implant at a lower cost or even for free.

Many family planning clinics and health centers have programs that can help you pay for the implant. For example:

Consult with a healthcare professional right away if you:

Does Hormonal Contraception Cause Depression

There has been concern in the media about a posssible link between hormonal contraception and depression.

A study from Denmark in 2016 looked at the medical records of more than one million people aged 15 to 34 with no previous depression

Researchers found that people who used hormonal contraception were more likely to be started on anti-depressants or to be diagnosed with depression in a hospital. The link was stronger for teenagers.

This study has caused worry about hormonal contraception.

Also Check: What To Do When Your Husband Is Depressed

What Are The Nexplanon Side Effects After Removal

Any time theres a change in your hormones like when you go on or off hormonal birth control such as the implant theres a chance of temporary side effects. But they usually go away after a few months.

When you go off the implant, your body will eventually return to the way it was before you went on it. So if you stopped getting your period on the implant, your period will eventually come back after the implant is out. It can also take a few months for your period to go back to the cycle you had before you got the implant .

Everyones body is different, and our bodies also change over time. So theres no way to know exactly how your body will react to going off the implant. But any negative side effects that you may have will go away within a few months as your body gets used to being off the hormones.

Another important thing to note: you can get pregnant right away once the implant is out of your body . So if you stop using the implant but you dont want to get pregnant, make sure to use another birth control method.

If youre really worried about the side effects of going off the implant, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may be able to give you more specific information about what to expect based on your personal medical history.

Who Can Use The Implant

REMOVING MY NEXPLANON BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT AFTER 6 MONTHS! | EXTREME DEPRESSION, CRAZY HORMONES

Most women can be fitted with the contraceptive implant.

It may not be suitable if you:

  • think you might be pregnant
  • don’t want your periods to change
  • take other medicines that may affect the implant
  • have unexplained bleeding in between periods or after sex
  • have arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke
  • have liver disease
  • have breast cancer or have had it in the past
  • have a medical condition that may affect which contraception you can use speak to your GP or practice nurse, or visit your nearest sexual health clinic to discuss further

Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Medication For Severe Depression And Anxiety

When It Starts To Work

You can have the implant put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant.

If the implant is fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you’ll be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.

If it’s fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to use additional contraception for 7 days.

Can Birth Control Pills Alleviate Depressive Symptoms

Some of the most commonly reported side effects of birth control pills are depression and mood swings.

And just like any other study conducted to shed light on this controversial topic, researchers have been unable to prove or disprove a link between birth control pills and depression, as studies have found conflicting results.

Another example is a certain pilot study which found that depression is the top reason behind women stopping their use of birth control pills.

The study also found that women using combination birth control pills were significantly more depressed as compared to another group of women not using the pills.

On the contrary, a recently published study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that depression is not considered as one of the most common side effects of birth control pills. This study also maintained that the connection between the two is still unclear.

However, despite this lack of certainty, many women have actually reported feeling depressed while taking birth control pills.

But according to the AGO study, these reports may be because of the inconsistent use of the word depression. Differences in pill formulations can also play a role.

This alleged connection can also be due to an already large number of women with depression in the United states, as an estimated 12 million women in the country are diagnosed with clinical depression each year.

Read Also: Natural Medication For Anxiety And Depression

Mechanisms Of Hormonal Contraceptive Effects On Mood

The existence of a group of women who are particularly vulnerable to mood disturbance during hormonal fluctuations has been established . Reproductive events in femalespuberty, premenstruum, pregnancy, postpartum period, menopausal transitionare associated with an increased likelihood of psychiatric symptoms, most commonly depression. Affected women have normal peripheral concentrations of reproductive hormones, but their neurophysiology appears vulnerable to the mood-destabilizing effects of fluctuation in gonadal steroid concentrations. Whether these are the women who also are likely to develop depression with initiation of hormonal contraceptives has not been established.

The immune-regulating kynurenine pathway was evaluated in women treated with OCs compared with untreated women. A lower ratio of neuroprotective kynurenic acid to neurotoxic 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid and a higher concentration of C-reactive protein was found in OC-treated compared with untreated women. The association between OC use and reduced kynurenic acid may contribute to the association between OC use and depression in vulnerable women .

Do You Have To Pull Out With Nexplanon

No Link Between Depression and the Pill, Study Says

He or she will then use a scalpel to make a small incision near the site of the implant. Procedural instruments are then used to locate and remove the implant. A new Nexplanon can be inserted at this time if you want to continue using this form of contraception. Nexplanon must be removed on or before the 3-year mark.

Can the implant cause depression?

In a study of people using the etonogestrel implant for up to two years, 14% reported mood swings and 7% reported depression that was attributed to the implant .

Why does the implant make you gain weight?

This hormone imitates progesterone. Progesterone is a natural hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle along with the hormone estrogen. This additional etonogestrel disturbs your bodys natural hormonal balance, which can cause weight gain.

Read Also: Probiotics And Anxiety And Depression

Anxiety After Stopping Birth Control: What You Need To Know

Anxiety is a mood disorder with physical and psychological effects. It impacts everyone differently but is usually characterized by intense feelings of worry and concern. Anxiety symptoms are wide-ranging and include butterflies in the stomach, difficulty concentrating, nausea, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and light-headedness.

Evidence¹ shows that anxiety in women tends to fluctuate according to hormonal changes. Significant hormonal changes typically occur during puberty, the time period after giving birth, and during menopause. It is also very common for anxiety to increase before menstruation as many as 58%¹ of women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder , a mood disorder that causes severe anxiety.

There is a strong link¹ between hormonal fluctuation and anxiety. Since hormonal contraceptives like the birth control pill, intrauterine device , injection, and implant work by changing your hormone levels, withdrawing them can trigger or worsen anxiety.

It can be worrying if you have anxiety symptoms after stopping hormonal birth control, but this is quite normal. Although anxiety is temporary for many women, it is helpful to know how long it might last and when to see a doctor

Have you considered clinical trials for Anxiety?

We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Anxiety, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available – and be a part of finding a cure.

With All The Stresses In Life It Can Be Hard To Know What Is Bringing You Down Lets Take A Look At What We Know About Birth Control And Depression

With all the stresses in life, it can be hard to know what is bringing you down. Is it the upcoming test thats stressing you out? Is it the fight you had with your friend? Is it your co-worker being rude for no apparent reason? Or is it your birth control? Lets take a look at what we know.

Dont Miss: How To Tell If Someone Is Hiding Depression

Read Also: Does Depression Qualify For Fmla

Do Antidepressants Such As Lexapro Affect Birth Control

No, antidepressants such as Lexapro do not affect birth control. However, if you are taking any other medication, it is critical you talk to your doctor before starting birth control to avoid any negative reactions.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Pandia Health, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

For a person to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, their fears must be considered out-of-proportion to the situation, not age-appropriate, and also impair the persons ability to function normally. There are many different types of anxiety disorders:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorders are incredibly common and will affect up to 30% of all U.S. adults at some point in their lives. Though anxiety disorders are common and often debilitating, they are highly treatable. A combination of medication and talking therapy can go a long way to treating most cases of anxiety. Medications commonly used to treat depression, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, are also used to treat anxiety disorders.

Does Birth Control Help Anxiety

ONE YEAR on Nexplanon Birth Control Implant | side effects, removal

These hormones introduced to the body by birth control can play a role in a persons overall mood and mental state. However, there is no data that proves that birth control has either a positive or a negative effect on anxiety. It is always important to remember that different people will experience different effects.

Also Check: Can You Recover From Depression

Are There Any Other Emotional Or Mental Side Effects To Consider

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.

Are There Any Side Effects From Implantable Contraception

Contraceptive implants can sometimes cause such side effects as:

Some of these side effects may go away after a few months.

Sometimes there can be irritation, infection, or scarring where the tube was placed.

Implantable contraception increases the risk of blood clots. Blood clots can lead to serious problems with the lungs, heart, and brain. Smoking cigarettes while using the implant can increase the risk of blood clots. Don’t smoke if you use implantable contraception or another form of hormonal birth control.

Also Check: Anxiety And Depression Treatment Center Newport Beach

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