Shortly after Catherine Girard started taking oral contraceptives, she noticed a significant change in her mood. At 17 years old, she was prescribed Alesse, a popular brand of birth control pills that promised to not only prevent pregnancy but also improve acne, menstrual symptoms, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Excited by the potential benefits, Girard took the medication for five years, but during that time, she felt like she was “crazy.” She experienced frequent sadness, irritability, and “dark thoughts” for no apparent reason. Girard eventually decided to stop taking the pill in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly noticed an improvement in her mood.
Girard’s experience is not unique. More and more women are choosing to opt out of taking oral contraceptives due to similar adverse side effects. Between 2002 and 2017, there was a nine percent decrease in the use of the pill among American women. While there isn’t enough scientific evidence to confidently say why hormonal contraceptives can affect cognition and mood, many women describe a feeling of “clarity” after stopping the medication.
The lack of understanding surrounding the impact of hormonal medication on mental health is due to the difficulty and cost of conducting comprehensive studies. Researchers need a large and cooperative population willing to be studied over an extended period of time. This makes it challenging to gather enough data to definitively link hormonal contraceptives to mood changes or cognitive effects.
However, this doesn’t diminish the importance of oral contraceptives. Prescribing these medications requires healthcare providers to closely consider a patient’s individual needs. Some women may be more sensitive to taking hormones than others, and their concerns should be listened to and addressed. Unfortunately, not all doctors are receptive to women’s experiences with hormonal medication, leaving many women feeling unheard and abandoned.
For women like Girard, turning to the internet and anecdotal accounts from other women experiencing similar side effects is often the only source of support and validation. It’s clear that more research and attention are needed in this area to provide women with the comprehensive information they deserve.
In conclusion, while oral contraceptives have undeniable benefits, their potential impact on mental health should not be overlooked. Women should be encouraged to communicate their concerns and be offered alternative contraceptive options if needed. By listening to and understanding women’s experiences, healthcare providers can provide better care and support for those who choose to opt out of hormonal medication.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
