Let me just say this: If you take birth control pills and feel terrible, it may be because of the medication. According to the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, this is what researchers have found.
The study examined how birth control impacts well-being. Researchers concluded that Women who use hormonal contraceptives have a lower quality of life. [1]
Angelica Linden Hirschberg (a professor at Karolinska’s Department of Women’s and Children’s Health and the principal author of the study), released a statement. That was the conclusion:
“Despite the fact that contraceptive pills are used by around 100 million women worldwide, we don’t know much about their effects on women’s health today.”
The scientists gave placebos to 340 healthy women aged 18-35, along with birth control pills containing ethinyl esteradil and levonorgestrel for three months.
Women who took the pill reported feeling better. Lower levels of well-being include lower mood, self-control and more energy. Contraceptives were more effective than placebos. Contraceptives didn’t put women at higher risk of depression. [2]
Read: For 24-Year-Olds, Combining Birth Control Pills and Heart Attack
CDC data shows that 62% of women use some form of birth control. They also complain about moodiness and irritability. These feelings can often lead women to use non-hormonal contraception such as condoms, IUDs and diaphragms. [2]
Hirschberg says:
“We don’t want women to stop using oral contraceptives because of our results, but if a woman is concerned about the negative impact on her mood or life quality, she should talk to a doctor.” [1]
Researchers believe that women are more likely to stop taking the pill or use them in irregular doses because of the adverse effects they saw.
Niklas Zethraeus, lead researcher, says:
This could in some cases contribute to low compliance or irregular use of contraceptive pill. This potential degradation in quality of life should also be considered when prescribing contraceptive pills or choosing a method. [1]
The study is Published in Fertility and sterility.
Sources:
[1] Independent