Abstract
Prevalence of depression within the United States has risen significantly in recent years.1 Depression in females has increased by 12 percent compared to 3.8 percent in males between 2009 and 2019.3 Hormonal contraceptives are widely used by women throughout the world and often started as early as menarche. Traditionally intended to prevent unwanted pregnancies, contraceptives are frequently used in the symptom management of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in females.2 Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are a popular choice for adolescents due to their ease of use, formulation varieties, and ability to be used long-term. Considering the widespread use, the adverse effects can have significant clinical relevance.3 OCPs have a wide variety of side effects - including mood changes; however, there is no clear consensus among researchers and clinicians on the associations between OCP use and risk of depression.2 Nevertheless, mood changes are a common reason for discontinuation of OCPs. Further investigation into the possible connection between hormonal contraceptive use and depression may offer insight into the prevalence of depression in adolescent females compared to adolescent males and should be taken into consideration by clinicians. Overall, medical providers should be better equipped to address these concerns with their patients. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review based on global studies investigating possible correlation between the use of hormonal contraceptives in adolescent females and subsequent mood changes, such as depression.
Included in
Clinical Relevance of Adolescent OCP Use and Depression Risk
Prevalence of depression within the United States has risen significantly in recent years.1 Depression in females has increased by 12 percent compared to 3.8 percent in males between 2009 and 2019.3 Hormonal contraceptives are widely used by women throughout the world and often started as early as menarche. Traditionally intended to prevent unwanted pregnancies, contraceptives are frequently used in the symptom management of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in females.2 Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are a popular choice for adolescents due to their ease of use, formulation varieties, and ability to be used long-term. Considering the widespread use, the adverse effects can have significant clinical relevance.3 OCPs have a wide variety of side effects - including mood changes; however, there is no clear consensus among researchers and clinicians on the associations between OCP use and risk of depression.2 Nevertheless, mood changes are a common reason for discontinuation of OCPs. Further investigation into the possible connection between hormonal contraceptive use and depression may offer insight into the prevalence of depression in adolescent females compared to adolescent males and should be taken into consideration by clinicians. Overall, medical providers should be better equipped to address these concerns with their patients. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review based on global studies investigating possible correlation between the use of hormonal contraceptives in adolescent females and subsequent mood changes, such as depression.