Does Injectable Contraception Contribute to Postpartum Depression?

A retrospective cohort study of midwestern postpartum women suggests it does not.

In some women, endogenous progesterone, as well as exogenous progestational agents, can negatively affect mood (CNS Spectr 2005; 10:489). In a retrospective study of women who presented for 6-week postpartum visits at an Ohio teaching hospital, investigators compared Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) results for 55 women who had received depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) prior to postpartum hospital discharge and 192 women who had used no hormonal contraception after discharge. At this center, all postpartum patients are asked to complete the EPDS (maximum score, 30; scores of ≥13 signify postpartum depression).

Mean EPDS scores were similar for women who received DMPA and for those who used no contraception (5.02 and 6.17; …

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Does Injectable Contraception Contribute to Postpartum Depression?

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Reviewing Author