Can the Contraceptive Pill Cause Anxiety? [What Research Shows]

There is no strong scientific evidence proving a clear link between the contraceptive pill and anxiety.

Research so far shows mixed results. While some women report improved mood while taking hormonal contraceptives, others notice increased anxiety or low mood.

Every body responds differently to hormones. But let’s take a closer look at the evidence!

Key Takeaways

• There is no strong scientific evidence proving that contraceptive pills directly cause anxiety or depression, but individual experiences vary.
• During contraception, you may experience anxiety due to external factors, such as relationship concerns, fear of side effects, and more.
• If you experience anxiety while on the pill, speak to a pharmacist or GP before making changes, and consider supportive lifestyle measures where appropriate.

What Is the Contraceptive Pill?

The contraceptive pill is a type of hormonal contraception. It contains synthetic versions of hormones such as oestrogen and progestogen, or progestogen only.

If you'd like a refresher, read our guide on the combined contraceptive pill.

Like all medicines, birth control pills can have side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Spotting/bleeding
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches (read all about headache relief)
• Acne (by the way, discover which the best contraceptive pill for acne is)
• Weight changes

Hormones & Anxiety: What’s the Connection?

Hormones play an important role in mood regulation.

Oestrogen and progesterone can influence brain chemicals, such as serotonin and GABA.

Because the contraceptive pills change hormone levels, it’s reasonable to ask: Can contraception cause anxiety?

While hormones are linked to mental health, there is no consistent evidence showing that hormonal contraceptives directly cause anxiety disorders.

Does Birth Control Cause Anxiety & Depression? [The Evidence]

Here’s what research shows so far:

1. A large Danish cohort study (2016) found an association between hormonal contraception and later antidepressant use, particularly in adolescents. However, association does not prove causation.
2. A 2023 population-based cohort study analysed the health data of 264,557 women from the UK Biobank to examine a possible association between oral contraceptive use and depression risk. The researchers found that “the use of OCs, particularly during the first 2 years, increases the risk of depression”.
3. A 2018 systematic review found only a “minimal link” between progestin-only contraceptive methods and depression.
4. A 2024 review analysing mood outcomes reported mixed results, with some users reporting improved mood and others reporting worsening symptoms.
5. A 2017 study focusing on mood and combined oral contraceptives concluded that the combined pill didn’t lead to depression.
6. Another 2017 study found that combined oral contraceptives are associated with both improvement and worsening of mood in the different phases of the treatment cycle.
7. A 2016 systematic review on combined hormonal contraception and effects on mood concluded that evidence remains inconsistent and individual variation is significant.

Overall, the evidence is mixed and does not prove a clear cause-and-effect link between hormonal contraception and anxiety or depression.

What Else Can Cause Anxiety While On Contraception?

Sometimes, anxiety happens around contraception rather than because of it.

Some factors that may cause stress during birth control include:

• Worrying about the effectiveness of contraception and the fear of an unplanned pregnancy.
• Worrying about whether you’re taking the pill correctly (by the way, learn when you can start taking the contraceptive pill).
• Getting stressed about possible side effects (nocebo effect or pharmacophobia).
• Relationship stress.
• Concerns about fertility (read more in our guide: Can the pill make you infertile?).
• Pre-existing anxiety disorders.

How to Manage Anxiety (Before or) During Contraception

If anything of the above is stressing you out, here’s what you can do:

1. Build a Supportive Relationship

Emotional support matters. Feeling heard and understood by your partner can significantly reduce anxiety. Open and honest conversations can ease pressure and prevent misunderstandings.

That’s why it’s important for you to know how to talk about contraception with your partner.

2. Choose the Right Pill for Your Body

What works well for one woman may not work for another. That’s why personalised support matters.

At Weldricks, you can use our online contraceptive assessment to find the most suitable pill for your health profile, or even take advantage of our pharmacy contraception service.

Our expert team will review your symptoms and health history, and will help you decide what’s the best contraceptive option for you.

3. Get Clear Guidance from a Healthcare Professional

If you notice new or worsening anxiety, speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than stopping the pill suddenly.

A trained healthcare professional will check for other possible causes and advise whether your symptoms may be linked to your contraceptive method or not.

4. Prioritise Movement and Time Outdoors

Regular exercise helps regulate stress hormones and improves sleep, while exposure to natural light supports your body’s internal clock.

Go for 30-45 minutes of exercise every day (gym, yoga, walking, etc.) to help stabilise your mood.

5. Consider Psychotherapy If Needed

If anxiety feels intrusive and difficult to manage, professional therapy can be really helpful. Speaking to a qualified therapist can provide you with coping techniques.

6. Consider Supplements for Stress Relief

Magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin C  are some of the best supplements for stress relief.

Consider starting supplementation to help manage your anxiety, but make sure you do so after consulting your GP.

Browse our full range of quality supplements to find the right one for your needs!

Contraceptive Pills & Anxiety — Conclusion

Summarising, there is no strong scientific evidence showing a clear link between contraceptive pills and anxiety. Some women on contraception notice mood worsening, while others do not.

If you have questions about how the pill may be affecting your body more broadly, including your cycle, read our guide on whether the contraceptive pill can stop your periods!