Impact of oral contraceptives on emotional state
Keywords:
ANTICONCEPTIVOS; PLANIFICACIÓN FAMILIAR; REGULACIÓN EMOCIONAL; SALUD MENTAL.; CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS; FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING; EMOTIONAL REGULATION; MENTAL HEALTH.; ANTICONCEPCIONAIS; PLANEJAMENTO FAMILIAR; REGULAÇÃO EMOCIONAL; SAÚDE MENTAL.Abstract
Introduction: the use of oral contraceptives is one of the most widespread methods of family planning, but their influence on women’s emotional sphere remains a subject of scientific debate.
Objective: to analyze, through a literature review, the relationship between oral contraceptive administration and variations in women’s emotional state.
Methods: a systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted across various databases. The search was performed using an algorithm with keywords and boolean operators, allowing the identification of relevant sources. The selected studies, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, were critically analyzed considering timeliness, methodological quality, and thematic relevance, and integrated into the final synthesis of the review.
Development: the reviewed literature shows heterogeneous results. Some studies report increases in symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and sadness in a significant percentage of users, while others show emotional stability or even improvement in mood regulation. Modulating factors such as genetic predisposition, hormonal profile, and psychosocial environment were identified, explaining the variability of responses. Statistical analyses, mainly ANOVA and chi-square, confirmed significant differences in several studies, although not always consistent. Evidence suggests that the emotional impact of the pill is multifactorial and depends on individual and contextual characteristics.
Conclusions: the review confirms that oral contraceptives can generate both adverse and beneficial emotional effects, depending on intrinsic and extrinsic factors of each woman. The need for a personalized clinical approach in prescription is emphasized, considering genetic, hormonal, and social background.
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