HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION AND THE RISK OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Filip Kochański; Barbara Starosta; Magdalena Bartold; Marta Piotraszewska; Magda Skudzińska; Karolina Wołk; Aleksandra Jaskulska; Jan Pietrzak; Dominika Błonka; Janina Pohrybieniuk

doi:10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4498

Authors

Filip Kochański Maria Skłodowska-Curie Specialist Hospital in Zgierz, Zgierz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4957-8566
Barbara Starosta Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Lodz, Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8750-9112
Magdalena Bartold Maria Skłodowska-Curie Specialist Hospital in Zgierz, Zgierz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0863-167X
Marta Piotraszewska Samodzielny Publiczny Zespół Zakładów Opieki Zdrowotnej w Wyszkowie, Wyszków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0893-0524
Magda Skudzińska Samodzielny Publiczny Zespół Zakładów Opieki Zdrowotnej w Wyszkowie, Wyszków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8747-2562
Karolina Wołk Pabianice Medical Center, Pabianice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9871-4903
Aleksandra Jaskulska Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8745-9593
Jan Pietrzak Clinic of Foundation "Swoboda", Głowno, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4177-5413
Dominika Błonka Centralny Szpital Kliniczny, Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7946-9294
Janina Pohrybieniuk John Paul II Western Hospital, Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5737-6880

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4498

Keywords:

Hormonal Contraception, Oral Contraceptives, Combined Oral Contraceptives, Depression, Depressive Symptoms, Mental Disorders, Mood Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Hormonal contraception (HC) is a method widely used for pregnancy prevention among adolescents and adult women. It is also prescribed to manage menstrual and dermatological symptoms. Despite its popularity, concerns have been raised regarding potential mental health side effects, particularly the risk of developing or worsening depressive symptoms. Existing research has produced mixed results—some studies suggest a possible association between HC use and an increased risk of depression, especially among younger users, while others report no significant link or even indicate a protective effect.

Aim of the Study: This literature review aims to evaluate current evidence regarding the relationship between HC use and the occurrence of depressive symptoms, with particular emphasis on adolescent girls and young women. By examining available research, the review seeks to clarify the potential psychological risks associated with different forms of hormonal contraception.

Conclusions: The findings of the cited studies suggest that the use of HC, especially during adolescence, may be associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. However, the evidence is not uniform—some studies do not confirm this negative effect, while others highlight the role of individual vulnerability. Further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and to support a more personalized approach to contraceptive counseling, particularly for young women at increased risk of mood disorders.

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