Birth control can be a tricky thing, and each person may have a different experience with the same method. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst, a Canada-based writer, shares her tips on how to choose the best birth control for mood.

While birth control can cause mood changes for some, others find it can help stabilize the mood changes they typically experience leading up to their period.

If you’re looking for birth control to manage your mood, speak with a healthcare professional to discuss your circumstances and find the best option. This is especially important as birth control can cause worsening mood symptoms for people with a history of depressive symptoms.

If your moods are all over the place when your period’s approaching, birth control might provide the mood stability you’re looking for. However, it can take some experimenting to find which options work for you.

Choosing birth control for mood stability is about more than just the hormones. Here are some important things to consider when narrowing down your choices.

Some methods might require a pelvic exam

Some birth control methods, for instance, intrauterine devices (IUDs), require a pelvic exam.

Pelvic exams can be a trigger for some transgender men and nonbinary folks with gender dysphoria, and they can be traumatic for survivors of sexual abuse. So this may affect your decision when considering birth control options.

You don’t have to stick to the same method forever

You want to make the right choice, but don’t worry too much. You can always change if the method you have chosen does not work for you.

If one birth control method doesn’t have the effect you’re after, causes too many side effects, or you just don’t like it, you can always switch to another.

Some — not all — methods may require a guardian’s consent

If you are looking to get birth control but you do not want a parent or guardian to know, there are still options for you.

You can access birth control in most states without a guardian’s consent, but not with all healthcare professionals.

Contact a local clinic or trusted healthcare professional before making an appointment to learn more about your state’s laws. Due to confidentiality laws, they can’t share what you discuss.

If you’re hoping to have your birth control covered by a parent or guardian’s health insurance, call the insurance provider first to ask if the services you access will show up on your parent or guardian’s statement.

Your other option is to pay out of pocket or try to access free or lower cost birth control in your area.

Birth control costs vary widely

Birth control options for mood stability range in cost from free to well over $1,000. How much you’ll pay — if anything — depends on your location, your annual income, and any health insurance coverage you may have.

As well, some methods last longer and might be more cost-effective in the long run.

If you need help covering the cost, many family planning clinics and health centers have programs to help subsidize the cost.

Different birth control methods may have benefits for some people but not others. Not every method will be the one for you. It comes down to different variables and which matters to you most.

Here’s how they measure up in terms of accessibility, ease of use, and more.

Most accessible

If accessibility is what you’re after, these options are the easiest to find.

Most effective at boosting mood stability

Some hormonal birth control methods can positively affect premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, like mood swings. Those containing lower amounts of androgenic progestins may be less likely to negatively affect mood.

This — at least partly — explains why one type of birth control gets top honors as most effective for mood stability.

Yaz, a combination birth control pill, is currently the only birth control pill approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It contains drospirenone, a fourth-generation progestin with low androgenic activity.

Other birth control methods that work well at keeping hormones — and your moods — in a steady state include:

Most popular

Extended or continuous dose birth control pills win the popularity contest thanks to the long period-free intervals. No period typically means no PMS symptoms, like mood swings.

The minipill is up there, too, because it ticks a lot of boxes as far as birth control perks, like being easy to use and enjoying a lighter flow.

Everybody is different, and some are more sensitive to hormones than others. Just because certain methods work wonders on mood stability for some, it doesn’t mean they’ll work for everyone.

Asking yourself these pertinent Qs before choosing a type of birth control for mood stability will help you narrow down your options and find what’s right for you.

How well does it work for this purpose?

Finding a birth control that’s effective in the pregnancy prevention department is important, obvs.

But if mood stability is your main goal, that’s something you need to consider and mention to your healthcare professional, since not all methods have the same effect.

Is it easy to use?

Ease of use is definitely worth considering, because it can affect your ability to take as directed for the best results.

For instance, if you’re always on the go, you’d probably benefit from a method that you don’t need to remember to take daily.

And since some options involve more than popping a pill, consider how comfortable you are with a method — like, say, a birth control ring that you need to insert yourself or a birth control shot that’s administered using a needle.

What are the potential side effects?

Like any other medication, birth control can cause side effects.

Learn the potential side effects of the options you’re considering to determine if any are dealbreakers.

Does it have any other benefits?

Not all side effects are bad. Some birth control methods offer some pretty awesome perks that are worth considering.

Along with mood stability, some birth control can also help with heavy periods, cramps, and acne.

How much does it cost?

Money matters, so remember to factor in the cost of the medication or device and any related doctor’s appointments.

Remember, you may have options to help you get your birth control for a lot less or even free, depending on:

  • where you live
  • if you have health insurance
  • if you qualify for Medicaid or another government program

How will it affect any preexisting conditions?

If you have any preexisting conditions, you’ll want to talk with a healthcare professional about how different birth control methods might impact your condition or any medications you take.

This is especially important if you have a history of depression, PMS, PMDD, or another mood disorder, since some people have reported a worsening of symptoms after starting hormonal contraceptives.

A good place to start is with your healthcare professional, if you already have one you like.

You have other options, too:

In short, yes.

But it depends on the type of birth control, the hormones involved, and how your body reacts.

It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about your options. Make sure to specify you’re hoping for something to help with mood changes and stabilization.

Mood swings can occur due to hormonal fluctuations throughout your cycle. Estrogen and progesterone drop when your body releases its egg during ovulation, and this can impact your serotonin levels, which play a role in your emotional and mental health.

Different people have different sensitivities to hormonal fluctuation and levels of serotonin, so some may experience more severe mood swings than others.

Some vitamins and minerals may help with mood changes during your perid. These include calcium, essential fatty acids, and vitamin B6. You can get these from your diet or, if you need an extra boost, supplements can be useful too.

Check with your doctor before taking supplements if you have a medical condition or take medication that may interact.

In addition, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep can also be beneficial for your mood.

Need more info? Check out these handy articles:

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.