
In a large study involving more than 1 million women, Danish researchers found an increased risk for depression tied to taking hormonal birth control.
According to the New York Times, the women were between the ages of 15 and 34, and were tracked over the course of 13 years between 2000 and 2013. After six months of being on hormonal contraception, scientists found a 40 percent increased risk of developing depression compared to people who weren't on hormonal birth control.
Some birth control options came with a greater risk than others—women on progestin-only contraception like the Depo shot and the mini-pill more than doubled their risk of developing depression, and women with the Mirena IUD more than tripled their risk of depression. Researchers also found that the risk for developing depression was higher for teen girls than adult women, but that could be teen girls are generally more susceptible to depression.
While Oejvind Lidegaard—a senior author from the study, which was published in full in JAMA—told the Times that most women who take hormonal birth control won't develop depression, a 40 percent increased risk of depression "is not trivial." Previous research has already found that women are twice as likely to develop depression than men, and the added risk associated with hormonal birth control doesn't help.
"It is important that we tell women that there is this possibility," Lidegaard told the Times. "And there are effective nonhormonal methods of birth control."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
From: Cosmopolitan
-
The Best Face Masks for Every Skin Type and Concern
Oily skin? Need a glow? Want hydration? We have you covered.
By Samantha Holender
-
Is the Humble Bar of Soap the Future of Beauty?
Bars, powders, and concentrates are the beauty world’s latest obsession. Here's why everyone's going "waterless."
By Deanna Pai
-
Laptop Backpacks That Provide Both Fashion and Function
Stylish, take-anywhere backpacks that fit your laptop (and everything else, too).
By Julia Marzovilla
-
My Impossible, Depressing Quest to Find the Right Depression Meds
One woman's not-uncommon journey through the land of On And Off And On Again.
By Ilana Masad
-
California Women Can Now Get Birth Control Without a Prescription
Excellent news out of the Golden state!
By Laura Beck
-
Can We Talk About How Ridiculous It Is That We Still Have to Fight for Birth Control?
Because 2015, people. Happy #ThxBirthControl Day.
By Whitney Joiner
-
Why I Stopped Taking Birth Control Pills
I only wish I had stopped sooner.
By Nicole Rupersburg
-
This Woman's Powerful Tattoo Speaks Volumes About What It's Like to Have Depression
You have to see it from both sides.
By Diana Bruk
-
This Woman Took Haunting Self-Portraits in Her Psychiatric Hospital to Show What Depression Really Looks Like
They're difficult to look at but prove a powerful point
By Brie Schwartz
-
Birth Control Pills Reportedly Prevented 400,000 Cases of Cancer
And that benefit continues even if you stop taking them.
By Megan Friedman
-
Over-the-Counter Birth Control Is Coming to an Oregon Near You
May it lead the way for the rest of us.
By Megan Friedman