When I first started taking hormonal birth control, I thought I was just checking off a box—regulating my cycle, preventing pregnancy, and moving on with my life. What I didn’t expect, however, was how it would affect my mental health, especially when it came to anxiety.
I’ve always been a bit of an over-thinker, but after starting birth control, my anxiety seemed to intensify. It wasn’t just occasional worry—it was a constant, underlying sense of unease, overthinking everything, and sometimes feeling overwhelmed by small, everyday stresses. I wasn’t the only one experiencing this, though. Many women report that hormonal birth control exacerbates anxiety or even triggers it in ways they hadn’t felt before.
So why does hormonal birth control have this effect? And what can you do about it if you’re feeling more anxious than usual? Let’s dive into the science behind it, along with some strategies to help manage anxiety while on birth control.
Why Does Birth Control Trigger Anxiety?
At its core, hormonal birth control works by altering your body’s natural hormone balance. Specifically, it affects estrogen and progesterone levels, both of which have significant effects on mood and emotional regulation. While some women find that hormonal birth control helps balance their mood, others experience heightened anxiety, irritability, or even depression. Here’s why it happens.
1. Hormonal Fluctuations and Mood Regulation:
Estrogen and progesterone play a significant role in regulating mood. Estrogen is known to have a “feel-good” effect by boosting serotonin levels, the brain chemical responsible for stabilizing mood and feelings of well-being. On the flip side, when estrogen levels drop, it can lead to feelings of irritability and anxiety. Progesterone, often called the “calming” hormone, can have the opposite effect, causing mood swings and heightened sensitivity to stress if it's too high.
When you take hormonal birth control, it either increases or suppresses these natural hormones, which can leave your body in a state of imbalance. This disruption might manifest as increased anxiety, nervousness, or a sense of being on edge.
2. Progestin's Role in Anxiety:
While estrogen’s effects on mood are generally positive, progestin—the synthetic form of progesterone found in many birth control methods—can sometimes mimic the impact of testosterone, which has been linked to anxiety in some people. Some forms of birth control, particularly progestin-only options, can make anxiety worse by causing a hormonal imbalance that directly impacts the neurotransmitters in the brain.
3. The Stress Response:
Hormonal changes brought on by birth control can also alter the way your body responds to stress. When your hormones fluctuate, you may find yourself more easily overwhelmed or triggered by situations that normally wouldn't cause much concern. The heightened stress response, in turn, can make anxiety worse.
How Common Is Anxiety as a Side Effect of Birth Control?
Anxiety as a side effect of birth control is more common than you might think. Studies have shown that women who use hormonal birth control are more likely to experience mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings. While some women have no issues at all, others notice that their anxiety becomes more pronounced after starting birth control, often leading to the question: "Is it the birth control, or is it me?"
Many women report that their anxiety symptoms subside or become manageable after their body adjusts to the hormonal changes, but for others, the anxiety persists. The effect can be more noticeable in the first few months after starting hormonal contraception, as your body is still adjusting to the synthetic hormones.
What You Can Do If You're Feeling Anxious on Birth Control
If you’re noticing that anxiety is getting worse after starting hormonal birth control, know that you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to address the issue.
1. Give Your Body Time to Adjust:
In the beginning, it’s normal for your body to go through a period of adjustment as it gets used to the new hormonal levels. Many women experience side effects like anxiety for the first few months after starting birth control, and these symptoms often decrease over time as your body adapts. However, if the anxiety doesn’t subside or feels unbearable, it’s time to consider other options.
2. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider:
If anxiety becomes overwhelming, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about it. They can help determine if your birth control method is the cause and suggest alternatives. Some forms of birth control have a higher chance of triggering anxiety than others, so your doctor may recommend switching to a different type of contraceptive, such as one with a lower dose of progestin or a non-hormonal method altogether.
3. Consider Taking Alii Supplement:
Hormonal birth control can deplete essential vitamins and minerals that support mental well-being, such as magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc. These nutrients play a key role in mood regulation and stress management. Taking a supplement like Alii can help replenish these nutrients, which may, in turn, help restore balance to your hormones and reduce anxiety. By supporting your body with the right nutrients, Alii works to ease the hormonal fluctuations that might be contributing to your anxiety.
4. Focus on Mental Health and Stress Management:
While addressing the hormonal imbalance is crucial, managing anxiety goes beyond just changing your birth control method. Incorporating stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine can help lower anxiety levels. Regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are also key for keeping anxiety at bay.
5. Explore Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options:
If your anxiety doesn’t improve or continues to worsen despite changing methods, it may be time to explore non-hormonal birth control options. The copper IUD, for example, is a popular choice for women who prefer a hormone-free method. Condoms, diaphragms, and fertility awareness methods are also available and don’t carry the same risks of hormonal side effects.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety can be a frustrating and sometimes overwhelming side effect of hormonal birth control, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to simply accept it. With time, adjustments to your method, and the right support, you can regain control over your mental health. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns and explore options that are best suited to your body and your lifestyle. Whether it’s through changing birth control methods, taking supplements, or adopting stress-management practices, there are ways to reduce the impact of anxiety and feel more like yourself again.
Remember, your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and find a solution that helps you feel at your best—both physically and mentally.
