When contraception may affect mood.

Hormonal contraception includes contraceptive pills, vaginal rings, patches, implants and hormonal IUDs. Methods contain different hormones or combinations. Mood swings and low mood may occur as side effects, although many people notice no such changes.

Some large observational studies have found associations between hormonal contraception use and treatment for depression, including among teenagers. Other studies, including randomised studies mainly involving adults, have not found the same pattern. Research cannot establish a definite cause for an individual, and findings from adults cannot automatically be applied to younger teenagers.

Ask when changes began, how the teenager experiences them and whether sleep, friendships, school or interests are affected. Mood changes can have several causes. Your teenager does not need to prove that contraception is the cause before asking for help.

It may be appropriate to consider another contraceptive method together with a school nurse, midwife or doctor. If contraception is being used to prevent pregnancy, continued protection must be planned before switching or stopping.