Did My IUD Make My Depression Worse?
After Mother Jones senior reporter Julia Lurie had her IUD removed, she was surprised to find that she felt happier and calmer than she had in years. Her experience made her wonder: What does the science say about how hormonal birth control […]
Mother Jones senior reporter Julia Lurie experienced a surprising shift in her mood after her IUD was removed. She felt happier and calmer than she had in years, prompting her to question the impact of hormonal birth control on mental health. This curiosity arose during a time when contraceptives are frequently politicized, and misinformation about their side effects is prevalent.
In her investigation, Lurie spoke with experts in science, medicine, and public health, discovering that research has consistently indicated that individuals using hormonal contraceptives are more prone to experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, insomnia, and other rarely discussed adverse effects by their prescribing doctors.
Dr. Ojvind Lidegaard, an OB-GYN and contraceptive researcher, noted that for some women, such changes in mood can occur almost instantaneously. The upcoming episode of Reveal will delve into the significant gaps within women's reproductive health, encompassing contraceptives and menopause.
Written by urgent.news from Mother Jones's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
