By Emily Brown
A new study out of Denmark confirms that women who take hormonal birth control are more likely to suffer from depression. This massive research study involved more than a million women and adolescent girls and found that women and adolescents taking different types of hormonal birth control were at an increased risk for depression and subsequent use of antidepressants. The highest rates of depression were among adolescents.
The findings
Women taking combined pills (progestin and estrogen) were 23 percent more likely to be prescribed antidepressants—commonly only six months after starting the pill. Women on the progestin-only pills were 34 percent more likely to take antidepressants or to be diagnosed with depression than those not on hormonal contraception. In addition, the study found that women with implants, patches, and intrauterine devices were also affected.
Adolescent girls at the highest risk
Adolescents taking combined pills were 80 percent more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant, and those on progestin-only pills were more than twice as likely to be prescribed an antidepressant than their peers who were not on the pill. These findings make it clear that adolescents are more negatively affected than adults.
What this means for women
While this study is recent, this is not a new finding. We have known for years that mood swings and depression are linked to birth control. This study just further proves the point. On top of that, birth control has been proven to cause weight gain, irregular bleeding, and blood clots. Even more tragic is that it can actually cause a chemical abortion!
Many are unaware of this last side effect. The pill is supposed to prevent ovulation and thicken the mucus in the cervix to prevent sperm from entering. However, sometimes this fails and a new human being is created. But this new person will not be able to attach to the thinned lining of the uterus and will die.
It’s not worth it
Is the pill really worth putting your body through any of these side effects? Is it worth the high risk of depression? Is it worth the possible chemical abortion? It is worth those side effects that can be life-threatening? The answer is a resounding no.
Treat your body right! Say no to the pill.
Emily Brown graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in May 2015. She began working for American Life League this summer and is a founding member of its new youth department, ALL Life Defenders. She plans on educating and collaborating with young adults all over the country to empower the new generation!