Long-Term Effects of Hormonal Oral Contraceptives on Adolescents’ Mental Health

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical stage of development marked by profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes. During this period, many adolescents turn to contraceptives for various reasons, including contraception, menstrual regulation, and addressing medical conditions. However, the potential impact of contraceptives on the mental health of adolescents remains a topic of significant concern and debate.This paper serves as a review of current literature on oral contraceptives, which are the most commonly prescribed form of contraceptives to adolescents, and concentrate on research that correlates OC’s with heightened depression symptoms. The synthesis of findings in this review aims to inform healthcare professionals and researchers about the importance of further research on the topic and to help young individuals acquire a deeper comprehension of the long-term mental health implications associated with oral contraceptive use during adolescence.