A Danish study has found that women who take the Pill may be at increased risk of depression with teenagers facing 80 per cent higher risk. The research found that those on the most popular type of Pill – combined oral contraceptives - were almost one quarter more likely to take an anti-depressant than non-users.
Over an average period of six years, participants taking combined oral contraceptives containing a mixture of hormones were shown to be 23 per cent more likely than non-users to be treated with anti-depressants for the first time. The Danish researchers, led by Dr Ojvind Lidegaard, said: "Further studies are needed to examine depression as a potential adverse effect of hormonal contraceptive use." One British expert said the study raised "important questions" while another urged women not to be alarmed by the findings.
Dr Channa Jayasena, from the Society for Endocrinology and Imperial College London, said: "This study raises important questions about the Pill. In over a million Danish women, depression was associated with contraceptive Pill use. "The study does not prove (and does not claim) that the Pill plays any role in the development of depression. However, we know hormones play a hugely important role in regulating human behaviour.
Dr Ali Kubba, from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, pointed out that despite known evidence that hormonal contraception can affect women's moods, the study did not demonstrate causation. He said: "Women should not be alarmed by this study as all women react differently to different methods of contraception. There are a variety of contraception methods on offer including the Pill, implants, injections, intrauterine devices, and vaginal rings and we therefore advise women to discuss their options with a doctor, where they will discuss the possible side-effects and decisions around the most suitable method can be made jointly."
