Does birth control make you moody?

What’s the link between hormones and our mood?

It’s well-established that hormones affect our mood. Our bodies are complex and how we’re feeling physically has a knock-on effect on our emotions and mental well-being; our hormones affect our brain chemistry. Researchers have found over 50 hormones in the human body so far [1], but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the two that are most relevant for both hormonal birth control and the menstrual cycle: estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen has been linked to better mood overall. While the way these work isn’t entirely understood, estrogen has been shown to have neuroprotective properties (protecting the brain). It plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine (that make us feel happy and calm), and it also has a positive effect on areas of the brain that are involved in regulating our mood, like the amygdala and hippocampus [2].

Progesterone, on the other hand, can make our mood worse. This is likely, at least partially, linked to its effect on neurotransmitters — for example, it can lower the levels of serotonin [3].

Many of us will recognize these patterns from how our mood changes during the menstrual cycle, where the link between hormones and emotions can become very apparent at times. Estrogen levels start rising as we approach ovulation [4], and this is often when we feel more confident and happy, and our libido increases too! After ovulation, estrogen levels drop while progesterone levels increase. Towards the end of the cycle when progesterone levels are at their highest and estrogen at its lowest, many of us experience PMS and — you guessed it — mood swings.

Can birth control cause mood swings?

What about when we introduce synthetic hormones into the mix? Research has found that hormonal birth control can have a negative impact on mood for some women, especially those who have a history of depression, but it can also help improve the mood for others [5].

Even though mood changes are one of the most common reasons why people stop hormonal birth control [6], the relationship between birth control and mood is not entirely straightforward. There are more elements at play than just hormones, such as our own pre-existing mental health, family history, and environmental and physical changes that can impact how we feel too.

How does hormonal birth control work?

Before we dig any deeper, let’s take a closer look at how hormonal birth control works. There are lots of different options out there, but the basic principle is the same. They contain synthetic versions of progesterone and/or estrogen and work by inhibiting ovulation (the release of an egg cell) as well as creating a hostile environment for sperm by affecting cervical mucus and the uterine lining. In short, they create conditions where pregnancy can’t happen, by disrupting the body’s natural hormonal cycle.

Is there a link between birth control and emotions?

While the emotional side effects of the menstrual cycle follow a predictable pattern related to the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone levels, hormone levels stay more steady when using hormonal birth control. With that in mind, it’s not surprising that mood symptoms can look a little different.

It’s been suggested that the reason behind the mood-related side effects of birth control is that they maintain an overall higher level of progesterone throughout the month. There is also research to suggest that progesterone-only birth control, like the mini pill or IUD, is linked to a higher risk of depression compared to combination birth control (that contains both estrogen and progestin) for those who are already at risk [7]. 

However, a Denmark-based study from 2016 looked more broadly at hormonal contraceptives and their association with depression. The study looked at referral rates to antidepressants after the use of a wide range of birth control methods, including the vaginal ring, the IUD, and oral contraceptives, and found that there was an association between the use of these methods and the subsequent use of antidepressants and a diagnosis of depression, especially in young women [8].

Mood swings when starting birth control

When you start birth control, it takes a little while for the body to get used to the additional hormones. That’s why side effects from hormonal birth control tend to be worse during the first few months; after that, they often improve. This goes for mood swings too.

Similarly, you may experience mood swings at first when stopping birth control, and this is likely triggered by the shift in hormone levels as your body adapts and your natural cycle returns. 

How do I know if my birth control makes me moody?

Since our moods can be influenced by many aspects of our lives, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause behind why we’re feeling a certain way. However, it’s good to be aware of potential side effects when starting any medication. Keeping track of how you’re feeling, for example with a journal or with the help of an app, may help you spot patterns in your mood and notice if something is out of the ordinary.

Can birth control help with mood swings?

If you experience mood swings, other mood-related symptoms like anxiety or PMS, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD, a severe form of PMS) during your menstrual cycle, hormonal birth control may help alleviate it. 

There is research that suggests that combined birth control can be used to treat PMDD, and potentially also PMS, since they stabilize hormone levels and prevent the big hormonal shifts associated with the menstrual cycle [9]. However, it’s important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and medical history so they can help you figure out the best treatment option.

What if I already have a mental health condition?

First and foremost, if you have any pre-existing conditions it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before switching up any medication, birth control included.

When it comes to hormonal birth control, there are many different options available with different combinations and doses of hormones, so it’s best to speak with your doctor who can help you find an option that suits your needs with your mental health in mind. If you don’t want to take additional hormones, you can also consider a non-hormonal option like condoms, the copper IUD, or Natural Cycles.  

How to stop mood swings from birth control

If you experience mood swings, the good news is that there are a few things you can try to alleviate these, such as:

• A healthy diet: While it can definitely feel tempting to reach for the sugary or salty snacks when we’re experiencing mood swings, a balanced diet is good for our overall health, which is important for mental well-being too.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise is great for our overall health, and it’s actually been found to help stabilize moods and regulate emotions [10] — many of us are familiar with the rush of endorphins after a good workout. Whether it’s a gentle walk, running, or lifting weights at the gym, find a type of exercise that you enjoy.
• Practice mindfulness and de-stress: Easier said than done perhaps, but mindfulness practices and other strategies to decrease stress can have a positive impact on our mood [11].
• Switch to another birth control: There are many different kinds of birth control available. Combination birth control (that contains synthetic versions of both estrogen and progesterone) has been shown to cause less mood-related side effects than progesterone-only birth control [7]. Or you might prefer to try a non-hormonal option such as the copper IUD.
• Use Natural Cycles: Another hormone-free option, NC° Birth Control lets you prevent pregnancy without any side effects. By analyzing your body temperature, the NC° algorithm learns your unique menstrual cycle and lets you know when you’re fertile.

When to see a doctor

You shouldn’t have to experience unwanted side effects from your birth control, so make sure to speak with your doctor if you want to explore other options. You should also always see a doctor if:

• You have side effects that impact your everyday life
• You feel depressed or struggle with anxiety
• You are worried about your mental health

If you have an extremely low mood or experience suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately — you don’t need to go through this alone. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline or find more resources on their website.

Say goodbye to side effects with Natural Cycles

Do you struggle with side effects such as mood swings on your current contraception? NC° Birth Control lets you prevent pregnancy naturally without any side effects. Measure your temperature, add your data to the app, and the NC° algorithm will calculate your daily fertility status. You can also track emotional and physical symptoms during your cycle and get notified about what to expect for each cycle phase so that you’re prepared. If you’re thinking about switching to a new birth control and want to try something hormone-free, why not find out if Natural Cycles could work for you?