Birth control pills increase the risk of depression during the first two years of use. This is shown by a new study from Uppsala University.
– This seems to apply to a subgroup of women, says doctoral student Therese Johansson to TT.
A new study from Uppsala University shows that there is an increased risk of depression during the first two years of birth control pills. The study states that the use of combined birth control pills, which contain both estrogen and progestagen, among teenagers increases the risk of depressive symptoms by 130 percent. For women aged 20 and over, the risk is slightly lower, 92 percent.
– There is absolutely a strong connection, there is more than twice as high a risk, says doctoral student Therese Johansson to TT.
Teenagers have already undergone major hormonal changes during puberty and can therefore be particularly sensitive. This is believed to be the reason why they are at greater risk.
The researchers collected data on more than a quarter of a million women’s use of birth control pills, when they received their first depression diagnosis, and when they first experienced depressive symptoms.
– This seems to apply to a subgroup of women who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. That is the hypothesis, says Therese Johansson.