Does hormonal birth control cause anxiety/depression?

[laqwerty22]

Hi there, I have been on a hormonal birth control pill for two years now. I used to be a very positive person until I was on the pill for about three months or so. Ever since, I've had anxiety at least three times a week. I recently heard that it was maybe the pill that caused all this anxiety and upset. Likewise, within the past year and a half, my eyesight has dramatically decreased, something my eye doctor has said he doesn't see happen in patients very often. However, the birth control pill has helped me positively with regulating my time of the month which is appreciated since I am anemic. My question is, how likely is it that my birth control has caused the anxiety and loss in vision I'm experiencing? What birth control(s) do you suggest as better options?

[laqwerty22]

Thank you, Doctor.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would advise you to  consider stopping your oral contraceptive for a month to see if your anxiety improves, worsens or stays the same.  Your eyesight is probably NOT related to birth control.  IF you find that your anxiety is improved off of OCPs you could consider a progesterone only method, such as pills, or the injection.  The copper IUD is non-hormonal, but can make periods heavier, so is probably NOT a good option for someone who is anemic.  Likewise, the progesterone only pill and shot can cause irregular bleeding.  The MIrena IUD makes your periods very light or even go away completely, and many women love it. Something to consider, but I would try the pills first before having the IUD placed, because it is quite pricey up front.  IF you keep it the full 5 years it is actually cheaper than pills, but if you have it removed right away due to side effects, it is not.
Good luck!
Dr B