How the Pill Can Affect the Brain
Birth control pills are often seen as a wonder solution for contraception, and they can even help treat acne, severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), excessive hair growth, and pain from endometriosis. While we are not here to recommend one birth control method over another, like almost any other medication, they do come with negative side effects which those who take them should know everything about. Since these pills affect the body's hormonal balance, they have specific impacts on the brain.
Birth control pills contain a synthetic version of progesterone called "progestin" and a synthetic version of estrogen called "ethinylestradiol." These synthetic hormones affect different brain areas, primarily those responsible for regulating reproductive system functions.
However, the disruption in the reproductive process also leads to changes in signals received by the limbic system and mood, potentially causing depression and anxiety. These pills can even impact cognitive abilities, including memory and attention. If you know someone who is taking the pill or are taking them yourself, this may be very important information for you to have.
Do All Contraceptive Methods Have the Same Impact on the Brain?
"Different types of birth control pills have various side effects on the brain — some can be more severe and unique than others," says Dr. Hilda Wong from California. Pills that contain both progestin and ethinylestradiol, for example, tend to cause more mood changes than pills that contain only progestin. It's also worth mentioning other contraceptive methods, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), which have much less impact due to their location in the body. The IUD releases progestin directly into the uterus, instead of passing through the digestive system and bloodstream.
What Do the Studies Say?
A review of brain imaging studies conducted in 2020 identified changes in areas responsible for cognitive processes in the brain, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and cingulate gyrus, due to the use of hormonal contraceptives. Additionally, a 2022 study compared the brain structure of 72 people and showed that hormonal contraceptives affect brain areas associated with emotional processing. Specifically, researchers found that participants taking birth control pills were more prone to anger, fear, and disgust than those who were not.
"While the study findings are fascinating, they do not show an absolute cause-and-effect relationship," says Dr. Michael Green, a specialist in treating menopausal women. After all, women taking birth control pills may be more involved in situations that increase experiences of such emotions. Older studies have shown a link between the use of birth control pills and the use of antidepressants and even suicide attempts. Although conducted on a small scale, these studies suggest that such contraceptives may negatively impact mood. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this, especially if you have pre-existing mental health issues.
What Should Be Considered Before Starting Birth Control Pills?
When weighing the benefits of these pills against the risks they pose to women taking them, the main thing to consider is the reason why you want to start taking birth control pills. Is it for preventing pregnancies? Is it to help deal with premenstrual syndrome? Is it part of treatment for pain from endometriosis? Or perhaps a combination of these reasons?
Dr. Wong says that the answer to this question will help you understand whether you should consider alternatives to birth control pills. For example, there are non-hormonal contraceptives, such as condoms. However, she advises thinking about whether you can stick to the chosen solution. For example, you need to take birth control pills at the same time every day—are you responsible enough to do this properly? There are also birth control shots that need to be taken every three months—can you maintain this?
Is there Anything to be done against the pill's effect on mood?
If you or someone you know notice mood changes after starting birth control pills, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. It may also help to schedule an appointment with a mental health specialist. "It's important to inform your doctor about your condition and the neurological side effects you are experiencing, so they can determine whether the prescription you received is the best option for you," says Dr. Bassam Zaina from England. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the doctor may suggest an alternative and provide advice on lifestyle changes that can help balance this effect.
A Few Words in Conclusion
Studies show that taking birth control pills does indeed affect the brain and may also affect mood. While it's important to be aware of these side effects, it does not mean that all contraceptive methods have the same effect or that they affect every woman in the same way. If you or someone you know feel more anger, anxiety, or depression and are taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult with your doctor and explore other options with fewer such side effects, and monitor your condition to see if the problem was indeed related to the pills or not. If not, it is advisable to seek help from a mental health specialist.