Researchers conducted this study to evaluate the association between postpartum hormonal contraceptive use and postpartum depression.
We searched the literature on the association between postpartum hormonal contraception use and incident postpartum depression. We used the US Preventive Services Task Force framework to assess study quality.
Researchers identified one hundred sixty-seven articles identified. Four met inclusion criteria. Two studies found no differences in rates of postpartum depression between women using postpartum depot medroxyprogesterone and those not using hormonal contraception; however, a review of women receiving injectable norethisterone enanthate immediately postpartum found a 2–3-fold increased risk of depression at six weeks, though not at three months. One study compared combined hormonal contraception, POPs, etonogestrel implants, and LNG-IUDs with no hormonal contraception and found a 35–44% decreased risk of postpartum depression with POPs and LNG-IUDs, a small increased risk of postpartum antidepressant use among women using the etonogestrel implant and vaginal ring, and a decreased risk of antidepressant use with POPs.
The study found no consistent associations between hormonal contraceptive use and incidence of postpartum depression. Future research would be strengthened by using validated diagnostic measures, careful consideration of confounders, and adequate follow-up time.
Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13625187.2019.1569610
