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What to Do About Depression Related to the Pill

Depression can be a result of many different factors; some forms of depression are related to chemical imbalances in the brain, while others can be brought on by certain medications. One medication that is known to potentially cause depression for some women is birth control pills. For those who experience problems with depression and the pill, there are things that can be done to help it.

  1. How Birth Control Affects Depression

    • Progesterone, along with estrogen, are the primary hormones in birth control pills. Progesterone is known to have an effect on serotonin levels in the brain, which are natural mood enhancer enzymes. Progesterone blocks the enzyme, MAO (monoamine oxidase), which helps keep serotonin levels up. When MAO enzyme levels drop, serotonin levels drop and this can create problems with mood swings and depression.

    One Alternative to Depression Related to the Pill

    • If you find your birth control pills are causing depression, the first thing your physician may want to try is switching pills. Sometimes a woman can handle one type of birth control pill and not another. There are pills that have higher and lower doses of hormones in them. Some women can be more sensitive to one pill and less sensitive to another, and switching pills may help alleviate tendencies for depression.

    Other Birth Control Methods

    • For women who simply cannot take the pill in any form due to depression, changing to another form of birth control can help. Other methods of birth control include: the cervical cap, the diaphragm, and the sponge. These choices use spermicides rather than hormones and will not cause depression. IUDs and condoms are other non-hormonal choices for birth control.

    The Pill and Antidepressants

    • If your depression is related to the pill, your doctor may feel that you could benefit from an antidepressant to take along with it. There are a few types of antidepressants available including: Prozac, Welbutrin and Zoloft. These medications are generally safe to take with the pill.

    Considerations

    • Many women may not recognize that their birth control pill is making them feel depressed. If the pill is a new prescription, it is best to be aware of any changes physically as well as mentally that you experience to the new medication. If depression becomes a problem, gets worse, or does not go away while on it, you should let your doctor know right away. Most times, stopping the pill will end the feelings of depression, but if the depression does not get better after stopping the pill, make sure to let your doctor know.

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