Depression Associated With Hormonal Contraceptive Use as a Risk Indicator for Postpartum Depression
It is suggested that depression associated with HC use can indicate postpartum depression susceptibility and may provide evidence for a link between depressive episodes with possible hormonal contributions and point to the existence of a subgroup of women sensitive to hormonal transitions across their reproductive life spans.
Abstract
Key Points Question Is prior hormonal contraception (HC)–associated depression associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression compared with prior depression not associated with HC use? Findings In this cohort study of 188 648 first-time mothers, prior depression after initiation of HC was associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression than prior depression not associated with HC initiation. Meaning The study’s findings suggest that depression associated with HC use can indicate postpartum depression susceptibility and may provide evidence for a link between depressive episodes with possible hormonal contributions and point to the existence of a subgroup of women sensitive to hormonal transitions across their reproductive life spans.