Background: Oral contraceptive pills are an effective and widely used method of
contraception that offers various health benefits; however, their potential impact
on mood and other depressive symptoms remains contentious. This review aims
to evaluate the effects of COC use on depression by analyzing recent randomized
controlled trials (RCTs). Method: A systematic search was conducted across
PubMed and Google Scholar databases for RCTs published from 2010 to 2024.
The review concentrated on studies that assessed the impact of COCs on
depressive symptoms using standardized measurement tools. Following rigorous
screening, five studies were included in the analysis. Results: The review
concludes that the relationship between oral contraception and depressive
symptoms is ambiguous. While some studies confirmed an association between
COCs and mood deterioration, particularly in women with a history of moodrelated
side effects, others found no significant impact or even potential mood
improvement in specific populations, such as those with premenstrual dysphoric
disorder (PMDD). There are also indications that oral contraceptive use in
adolescents might lead to an increased risk of depression in adulthood.
Conclusion: The relationship between COC use and mood is complex and
influenced by individual factors. Healthcare providers should engage in
comprehensive conversations with patients regarding the potential psychological
side effects of COCs to ensure informed and personalized contraceptive care.
Keywords: Depression, oral contraception, combined oral contraceptives