You’ve probably heard someone say it—maybe a friend, a family member, or even yourself: “I felt different when I was on the pill.” Maybe it was mood swings, feeling more anxious, or just not feeling like yourself. And you might be wondering: is this really happening, or is it all in my head?
Here’s the truth: birth control and mental health can be connected for some women, but the relationship is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Recent research from 2024 and 2025 is helping us understand this connection better, and what it tells us might surprise you.
What Recent Research Says About Birth Control and Mental Health
The conversation around birth control and mental health has gotten a lot more attention lately, and for good reason. A 2025 research review looked at the best studies available. Here’s what they found: some types of birth control can increase depression risk for some women. But here’s the twist—some birth control might actually decrease depression risk in others.
Sound confusing? Let’s break it down.
A 2024 study from BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that women without previous mental health issues showed only a slight increase in depression risk when using hormonal birth control. The key word here is “slight”—we’re talking about small differences, not dramatic changes.
But there’s another side to this story. Research from UCLA published in late 2023 found that women using contraceptive pills had higher levels of inflammatory markers when exposed to stress. This suggests that for some women, hormonal birth control might change how their bodies and brains respond to stressful situations.
It’s Not the Same for Everyone
Here’s what makes this topic so tricky: birth control affects different women in different ways. Your best friend might love her birth control pills and feel great, while you might notice your mood taking a dip. Neither of you is wrong—you’re just different.
According to November 2025 research published in Contemporary OB/GYN, several factors influence how birth control might affect your mental health:
Your age matters. Younger women, especially those who start hormonal contraceptives during their teenage years, may be more sensitive to mood changes. A 2023 population study from Cambridge found that adolescents who started oral contraceptives showed different mental health patterns than adults who began using them later.
Your mental health history plays a role. If you’ve experienced depression or anxiety before, you might be more likely to notice mood changes with hormonal birth control. A 2024 Yale study published in Complex Psychiatry found that women with previous mood or anxiety disorders experienced more mood-related side effects than women without this history.
The type of birth control matters. Not all hormonal contraceptives are created equal. Different formulations contain different types and amounts of hormones, which means they can affect your mood differently.
The Good News: Some Women Feel Better
Before we get too worried, let’s talk about the flip side. For many women, birth control actually improves mental health. How?
Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)—a severe form of PMS that causes significant mood symptoms—often find relief with certain types of birth control pills. In fact, some formulations are FDA-approved specifically for treating PMDD.
Also, preventing an unwanted pregnancy can significantly reduce stress and improve overall mental wellbeing. The 2024 BMC review points out that avoiding unintended pregnancy and the ability to plan your reproductive life can actually have positive effects on mental health.
What About Hormone-Free Birth Control?
This is where things get interesting. If you’re concerned about birth control and mental health, you might want to consider hormone-free options. According to research, non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps haven’t been associated with mental health changes.
The Caya diaphragm is a modern, hormone-free birth control option that puts you in control without affecting your hormones at all. Because it’s 100% hormone-free, it won’t interfere with your mood, emotions, or mental health. You use it only when you need it, and your body’s natural hormone cycles continue as normal.
We’ve written before about how choosing hormone-free birth control can support your emotional wellbeing, and recent research continues to support this approach for women who are concerned about hormonal side effects.
Signs Your Birth Control Might Be Affecting Your Mental Health
How do you know if your birth control is impacting your mood? Watch for these signs, especially if they started after beginning a new contraceptive:
- Feeling more anxious or worried than usual
- Mood swings that seem more intense than before
- Feeling down or depressed
- Changes in your interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Feeling more irritable or easily frustrated
If you notice these changes, don’t ignore them. Your feelings are valid and important.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re concerned about birth control and mental health, here are some steps you can take:
Talk to your healthcare provider. Be honest about any mood changes you’ve noticed. Healthcare providers should assess your mental health before prescribing hormonal contraceptives and monitor for changes during use.
Keep a mood journal. Track your moods for a few weeks to see if you notice patterns. This can help you and your provider figure out if your birth control might be playing a role.
Consider your options. If you think your current birth control is affecting your mental health, know that you have choices. This might mean trying a different formulation, switching methods entirely, or exploring hormone-free options like Caya. Need help learning about different methods? Check out our guide to three online resources for learning about contraception options.
Give it time, but not too much time. Some mood changes can be temporary as your body adjusts to a new contraceptive. However, if symptoms persist beyond three months or are significantly affecting your daily life, it’s time to try something different.
The Bottom Line
So, can birth control affect your mental health? Yes, it can—for some women. But it’s not a guarantee, and the effects vary widely from person to person. Recent research shows us that while some women experience mood changes with hormonal contraceptives, others don’t notice any difference, and some even feel better.
What matters most is paying attention to your own body and mind. You know yourself better than anyone else. If something feels off, trust that feeling and talk to your healthcare provider. Whether you choose hormonal birth control, hormone-free options like Caya, or another method entirely, the best birth control is the one that works for your body, your lifestyle, and your mental wellbeing.
Want to learn more about hormone-free birth control options? Check out our complete guide to the Caya diaphragm and discover how this woman-controlled option might be right for you.
The information included in this blog post is accurate as of publication. For the most current details about Caya, or if you have specific questions about your contraception options, please visit our FAQ at Caya.US.com or consult with your healthcare provider.
