Hormonal contraception can cause feelings of anxiety in some people. However, other users may find their birth control relieves anxiety symptoms. It all depends on the individual person.

Hormonal birth control involves everything from the pill and patch to the implant, IUD, and shot.

There are two main types: One contains a type of synthetic progesterone called progestin, and the other is a combined form that includes both progestin and estrogen.

“These two hormones naturally flood the body during ovulation and create a lot of PMS symptoms,” explains Dr. Shirin Lakhani, an intimate health specialist and cosmetic doctor at Elite Aesthetics.

The synthetic hormones in birth control have also been linked to a range of side effects. If you’re wondering whether anxiety is one of them, read on.

Certain forms of birth control can cause anxiety simply because people worry they won’t use it properly.

A big example of this is, of course, the pill. Users may stress that they’ve forgotten to take it, or that they won’t take it at the same time each day.

The other cause of anxiety is thought to be the effect synthetic hormones can have on the body. Most of the research into this has focused on the pill, which can contain forms of estrogen and progesterone, or the latter on its own.

“Both progesterone and estrogen are hormones that impact mood,” Lakhani explains.

Research shows that the hormone fluctuations that result from the pill — especially estrogen — have been linked to anxiety.

When it comes to adverse effects, the pill is often the first contraceptive method that springs to mind.

But there is a link between anxiety and all forms of hormonal contraception, says Dr. Enam Abood from London’s Harley Street Health Centre.

A 2019 study found that oral contraceptives can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety.

A 2022 study noted that users of IUDs containing the hormone levonorgestrel also had higher rates of anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping.

It’s pretty difficult to determine what effect your contraceptive will have. If your anxiety is related to the physical taking of a pill, for example, then an oral contraceptive is likely to worsen those feelings.

If you have a history of anxiety, hormonal birth control may mean you’re more likely to experience anxiety.

But if your anxiety is a result of PMS, some combined hormonal contraceptives — especially ones containing drospirenone — may help relieve symptoms.

It’s an altogether different story if you’re concerned about your birth control causing general anxiety.

Often, that means trial and error. You may need to choose a method and stick with it for a few months before seeing how you feel.

If you have an anxiety disorder or are worried about a specific type of contraception, it can be helpful to speak with a doctor.

Be as open and honest as you can. Remember, their job is to help you decide which birth control method is right for you.

If you’re concerned that your current contraceptive is affecting your mood, track your symptoms in a diary and share it with a doctor.

“The earlier they can address those symptoms, the better,” Abood says.

Your doctor can then recommend self-help strategies, refer you to a mental health specialist for therapy, or prescribe medication like an antidepressant.

Changing birth control may alleviate feelings of anxiety. But there’s a chance it could make little difference.

If you begin to experience anxiety or other mood changes, you can consider switching to a nonhormonal form of contraception. The list includes:

Long-acting reversible contraception (known as LARC) can be beneficial for people who are worried they’ll forget to take a pill or apply a patch. The IUD is an example of this.

Your doctor can guide you down the best path.

If you want to stop taking hormonal contraception, it’s entirely your choice.

But Lakhani advises against coming off your birth control without speaking with a doctor first.

It can be helpful to ask them the following questions:

  • Can I get pregnant straight away?
  • Will I experience any side effects by coming off my birth control?
  • What should I use for contraception now?

Some methods, like the pill and patch, can be stopped immediately. Others, like the implant, will need to be removed by a healthcare professional.

Stopping any kind of hormonal birth control can affect both your body and mind. You may find that your menstrual cycle becomes irregular or that your mood changes.

You may also experience symptoms your contraception was helping to manage, like painful periods and acne.

These side effects are typically mild. Many will correct themselves as your body gets back to its usual hormone production.

But if your menstrual cycle is still irregular several months after stopping your birth control, or the effects are becoming difficult to manage, you should speak with a doctor.

Hormonal contraception can cause feelings of anxiety in some people. However, other users may find their birth control relieves anxiety symptoms.

It all depends on the individual person. Just because someone else has a bad experience doesn’t mean you will.

But before deciding on a contraceptive, it’s important to weigh the potential effects.

And if you’re worried about making the right choice, consider speaking with a doctor. They’ll work with you to find a method that suits your needs.