A study published in _JAMA Network Open_ looks at postpartum hormonal contraceptive use and depression risk.
**Dr John Reynolds-Wright, NES/CSO Clinical Lecturer in Sexual & Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, said:**
“This retrospective registry study indicates an association between use of hormonal contraception in the first year post-partum with either being prescribed an anti-depressant or being labelled with a discharge diagnosis of depression in the Danish national healthcare electronic records.
“It does not demonstrate causation of depression by hormonal contraception.
“When examining the absolute risk of being prescribed an anti-depressant (or receiving the discharge diagnosis of depression), these risks are small and comparable for users (1.54%) and non-users (1.36%) of hormonal contraception in the twelve months following a first live birth in this cohort.
“The study excluded women who had given birth previously and did not consider previous history of depression (or anti-depressant prescription) longer than 2 years ago. Considering both of these aspects may have altered the findings of the study.
“The authors conclude that “the incidence of depression post partum may be inflated by routine HC initiation, which is important information to convey at postpartum contraceptive counseling” however this study has not convincingly shown that incidence of depression is higher – anti-depressants may be prescribed for a range of indications, not only depression – and so changing advice about postpartum contraception is not supported.
“Further, any small increased risk (0.18% higher of being prescribed an anti-depressant or being diagnosed with depression), needs to be balanced against the benefits brought by post-partum contraception to allow women to space births, which improves their and their baby’s health in multiple ways, and gives them reproductive freedom in their lives.
“We must cautiously interpret the recommendations and findings of this study, particularly given the current global political climate, where reproductive rights are continually under threat.”
**‘****Postpartum Hormonal Contraceptive Use and Risk of Depression****’ by Søren Vinther Larsen _et al._ was published in _JAMA Network Open_ at 16:00 UK time Monday 31 March 2025.**
**DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.2474**
**Declared interests**
**Dr John Reynolds-Wright:**
– Associate Editor, BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health
– Evidence Advisor, British Society of Abortion Care Providers
– I have received research funding from HRA Pharma (Perrigo) and Exelgyn (Nordic Pharma)
– I have received support to attend international conferences from Gedeon Richter (travel, hotel, conference registration)
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.