Birth Control and Mental Health: Understanding the Connection Between Hormones and Anxiety

Choosing the right birth control method is a deeply personal decision that can significantly impact both your physical and mental wellbeing. While contraceptives are primarily designed to prevent pregnancy, many women report experiencing changes in their mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental health after starting hormonal birth control. If you’ve felt anxious, depressed, or emotionally different since beginning a hormonal contraceptive, you’re not alone—and there may be a scientific explanation for these changes.

The Hormonal Impact of Birth Control on Mental Health

Hormonal contraceptives work by altering your body’s natural hormone levels to prevent pregnancy. These hormonal fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood and emotion.

How Birth Control Hormones Affect Your Brain

The synthetic hormones in birth control (typically estrogen and progestin) can influence several brain chemicals, including:

• Serotonin: Often called the ‘happy chemical,’ serotonin helps regulate mood, anxiety, and happiness. Some hormonal contraceptives may alter serotonin levels, potentially contributing to mood changes.
• GABA: This neurotransmitter has calming effects on the nervous system. Changes in GABA levels can increase anxiety and stress responses.
• Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, cortisol levels can be affected by hormonal contraceptives, potentially increasing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Free consultations available with select providers only.

Get a free consultation

And find an affordable, caring specialist.

Find a provider

Free consultations available with select providers only.

Common Mental Health Side Effects Associated with Different Birth Control Methods

While not everyone experiences mental health changes with hormonal birth control, many women report specific symptoms with different methods.

Nexplanon Side Effects and Anxiety

The Nexplanon implant, while over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, has been associated with mood changes in some users. Common reported mental health side effects include:

• Increased anxiety and panic attacks
• Mood swings and irritability
• Depression symptoms
• Changes in stress response

Many women report significant mental health improvement after Nexplanon removal, suggesting a direct connection between this contraceptive method and anxiety symptoms for some users.

Birth Control Pills and Mental Health

Combination and progestin-only pills affect women differently. Some studies show:

• Higher rates of depression diagnosis among hormonal contraceptive users
• Increased risk of anxiety disorders
• Mood fluctuations throughout the pill cycle

Hormonal IUD vs. Implant: Mental Health Considerations

When comparing a hormonal IUD to an implant like Nexplanon, mental health impacts may differ because:

• Hormonal IUDs typically release lower amounts of hormones that act more locally
• The implant releases hormones systemically throughout the body
• Some women report fewer mood-related side effects with localized hormones birth control options

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options for Mental Health Concerns

If you’ve experienced anxiety or depression with hormonal methods, non-hormonal options may provide effective contraception without affecting your mental health.

Copper IUD Considerations

The copper IUD (Paragard) is hormone-free and highly effective, but comes with its own considerations:

• No hormonal mental health side effects
• Potential for copper IUD heavy periods, especially in the first 3-6 months
• May cause increased cramping for some users

Other Non-Hormonal Methods

Additional options include:

• Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps)
• Fertility awareness methods
• Permanent options (tubal ligation or vasectomy)

Switching Birth Control Methods: What to Expect

If you’re considering switching birth control methods due to mental health concerns, here’s what to know:

Transition Timeline

• Your body may need 3-6 months to adjust to a new method
• Mental health symptoms related to previous methods may take weeks or months to resolve
• Tracking your symptoms before and after the switch can help identify improvements

Working with Healthcare Providers

When discussing birth control mental health concerns:

• Document specific symptoms and when they occur
• Be clear about your priorities (effectiveness vs. side effect concerns)
• Consider consulting both a gynecologist and mental health provider
• Ask about supportive therapies during transition periods

Birth Control After Trauma: Special Considerations

For those who have experienced contraceptive failure or reproductive trauma, choosing a new birth control method requires additional consideration.

Rebuilding Trust in Contraception

• Consider methods with the lowest typical-use failure rates
• Discuss backup methods for additional peace of mind
• Acknowledge fears about contraceptive failure openly with providers

Emotional Support During Transitions

• Therapy can help address anxiety related to past birth control experiences
• Support groups connect you with others who’ve had similar experiences
• Open communication with partners about fears and concerns

Making the Right Birth Control Choice for Your Mental Health

When selecting a contraceptive method with mental health in mind, consider:

1. Your personal and family history of mental health conditions
2. Previous experiences with hormonal medications
3. Your tolerance for different physical side effects
4. The importance of effectiveness vs. potential side effects
5. Your lifestyle and ability to use methods consistently

When to Seek Help

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

• New or worsening anxiety or depression after starting birth control
• Panic attacks or persistent mood changes
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Significant personality changes noticed by you or others

The Bottom Line

The connection between birth control and mental health is complex and individual. While hormonal contraceptives can cause anxiety and mood changes in some women, others experience no mental health effects or even improvements in symptoms. The key is working closely with healthcare providers, tracking your symptoms, and being willing to try different options until you find what works best for your body and mind.

Remember that your experience is valid, and you deserve contraception that protects you from pregnancy without compromising your mental wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself if your current method is affecting your quality of life.

Take Action

If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns that you believe may be related to your birth control, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative options. Bring specific examples of symptoms and when they occur to help your provider understand your experience better.

Your reproductive and mental health are equally important—and with the right information and support, you can find a contraceptive method that works for both.