New Delhi: Using hormonal birth control may raise the risk of depression and suicide, said billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday, calling out on the need to understand women's health. Musk said, "It is important that women know the effects of hormonal birth control, as it is a significant cause of depression and increases suicide risk. This is not a value statement, just a public service announcement. Other forms of birth control do not have these effects." Musk commented his observation while sharing a post of US author and commentator Ashley St Clair.
Ashley wrote, "I’ve never been on anti-birth control, it can be a life-changing medication for some. However, it does have serious side effects including an increased risk of depression and suicide. When women talk to their doctors about these symptoms, doctors never suggest getting off of the pill or trying alternative, non-hormonal birth control. They typically just prescribe an additional psychiatric medication, put women on a pharmaceutical cocktail." The hormonal birth control methods are OCPs aka Oral Contraceptive Pills, implants, vaginal rings or patches. Intrauterine devices and condoms are the other methods.
As per reports and studies, blanket statements can't be made claiming that hormonal birth control pills directly cause depression. However, bodies like the World Health Organisation (WHO) have acknowledged that some individuals may experience mood changes or depressive symptoms while using hormonal contraceptives. The WHO also provides guidelines regarding the use of contraceptives, including informing individuals about possible side effects, like mood swings, which may include symptoms of depression. They emphasize the importance of individuals making informed decisions about their reproductive health in consultation with healthcare professionals.
