Does birth control cause depression?

I think my birth control is making me depressed.

Mar 29, 2017 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

The relationship between birth control and depression is complicated, especially since different methods can affect people very differently. If you feel your birth control might be contributing to depression, talk with your health care provider. It might be a matter of switching methods or deciding whether to avoid hormonal birth control altogether, or you may choose to wait it out since some negative side effects go away with time.

Still not working?

There are a lot of methods to choose from so don’t settle. Sometimes, it can take a few tries to get it right.

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Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
Birth control ring
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you don't have to worry about it every day.
birth control
Birth control patch
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you only have to worry about it once a week.
birth control
Birth control pill
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.