Do birth control pills cause depression?

Depression and mood swings are commonly reported side effects of birth control pills. Researchers have been unable to prove or disprove a link. The research is often conflicting. read more

As an example, isotretinoin (Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane), which is prescribed for the treatment of acne, has been found to also sometimes cause depression. So have oral contraceptives, high blood pressure drugs, and even statins that treat high cholesterol. read more

So while more research is needed to confirm whether birth control pills cause depression, the risk of depression and other serious side effects outweigh the benefit of taking oral contraceptives — especially with the number of natural birth control alternatives available. read more