THE IMPACT OF HORMONAL ORAL CONTRACEPTION ON MENTAL HEALTH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6415Keywords:
Oral Contraceptives, Hormonal Contraception, Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, MoodAbstract
Background: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are widely used for contraception and the treatment of several gynecological disorders. However, their potential effects on women's mental health remain controversial.
Objective: To review current evidence regarding the association between COC use and mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, mood changes, suicidal behavior, and cognitive function.
Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and large observational studies published predominantly between 2015 and 2026 were included.
Results: Current evidence does not support a universal association between COC use and adverse psychiatric outcomes. Randomized trials generally report neutral effects on depression and anxiety, whereas some observational studies suggest a modest increase in the risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior, particularly among adolescents and during the first months of use. Psychological responses appear to be influenced by age, psychiatric history, hormonal sensitivity, contraceptive formulation, and duration of treatment.
Conclusions: The effects of combined oral contraceptives on mental health are complex and highly individualized. Most women tolerate COCs without clinically significant psychiatric adverse effects; however, some may be more susceptible to mood-related symptoms. Individualized contraceptive counseling and careful monitoring, particularly during treatment initiation, are recommended. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the effects of specific contraceptive formulations on mental health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Katarzyna Otrębska, Dominika Lewandowska, Aleksandra Makulec, Aleksandra Jóźwik-Szymańska, Natalia Kostecka, Laura Mikuła, Zuzanna Bogdan-Groszyk, Aleksandra Szredzka, Helena Muszyńska
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