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Are birth control pills making me stressed and depressed?

By on September 30, 2011
Photo © Elena Derevtsova
 
Question
I am a 34 year old married woman and took birth control pills for the previous three years because I wished to defer pregnancy. After stopping the pill I became depressed and suffered from a lack of energy.  Could these events be related?
– Georgia, Meguro-ku

Answer
The implication of this question is that your depression and lack of energy may have been caused by discontinuing the birth control pill, or at least that it was a contributory factor.

As with any problem in medical practice it is necessary to take the whole situation into account, but little additional information is given.  Could there be some other reason for the depression?  How long have you been trying to become pregnant?  How do you and your husband feel about becoming parents?  Was there any delay in the return of regular periods after stopping the pill?

It is recognised that in some women taking the pill may cause depression as a side-effect – the opposite situation – but I do not think that stopping the pill of itself would cause depression.  The lack of energy, of which you also complain, is most likely part of the depression, but other diagnoses should be considered, such as an under-active thyroid gland or anaemia.  

Dr Gabriel Symonds runs the Tokyo British Clinic, a general medical practice for the expatriate community.
Tel: (03) 5458-6099.
www.tokyobritishclinic.com

About Dr. Gabriel Symonds

Dr. Gabriel Symonds was the director of the Tokyo British Clinic. The clinic closed down in May 2014 after serving the expatriate community for 20+ years. Dr. Symonds has retired and the Tokyo British Clinic is now closed. Dr Symonds will continue to live in Tokyo and may be contacted by e-mail over any questions concerning medical records or related matters: symonds@tokyobritishclinic.com He will be available from another address for: smoking cessation psychotherapy/counselling circumcision information Tel: (03) 5458-6099 www.tokyobritishclinic.com