Some women are concerned about how contraceptive pills could be affecting their mental health. Are these fears backed up by evidence?
Like many young women, Sarah E Hill spent her late teens and most of her twenties on the contraceptive pill. "I never thought twice about it," says Hill, now a researcher who teaches evolutionary psychology at Texas Christian University, an institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States. It was only when she switched contraceptives, 12 years after starting to take the pill, that an epiphany dawned on her.
"My life felt brighter and more interesting, like I had walked out of a 2D black-and-white movie into a full-colour, 3D, meaning-filled reality," says Hill. Her experiences of taking oral contraceptives inspired her to study the science involved and publish a book, How the Pill Changes Everything, in 2019.
In recent years, many women have become concerned about the pill's side effects, particularly on their moods and mental health. In fact, there has been a growing backlash – one which is most evident on social media where hashtags like #quittingbirthcontrol have drummed up millions of views. This is thought to partly explain why the pill has been suffering a popularity crisis of late.
