This study examined epidemiological data obtained from 498 women aged 20-50 year participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS). Mood disorders were diagnosed using a clinical interview (SCID-I/NP) and information on medication use and other lifestyle factors were documented.
After adjusting for age and socioeconomic status (SES), women taking progestin-only contraceptive agents had an increased likelihood of a current mood disorder (OR 3.0 95%CI: 1.1-7.8, p = 0.03). In contrast, women taking combined contraceptive agents had a decreased likelihood of a current mood disorder, adjusting this for age and SES (OR 0.3 95%CI: 0.1, 0.9 p = 0.03). These findings were not explained by weight, physical activity level, past depression, number of medical conditions or cigarette smoking.
This study is cross-sectional, which precludes any determination regarding the direction of the relationships.
These data suggest a protective effect of the combined contraceptive pill, and a deleterious effect of progestin only agents in regards to mood disorders.