Previously reported associations between oral contraceptives (OCs) use and depression have been conflicting. Insight into the impact of analytical choices on the association may help to reconcile previous heterogeneous findings.

We aimed to examine the association between adolescent OC use and subsequent depression risk in early adulthood analyzing all theoretically justifiable models.

Women from the prospective cohort study Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) were included in this study. All justifiable associations between adolescent OC use (ages 16-19 years) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in early adulthood (ages 20-25 years) as assessed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV oriented Lifetime Depression Assessment Self-Report and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview were tested.

A total of 818 analytical models were analyzed in 534 adolescent OC users and 191 nonusers. Overall, there was a tentative association of adolescent OC use and an episode of MDD in early adulthood (median odds ratio [OR] median=1.41; ORmin=1.08; ORmax=2.18, permutation testing p-value 1 = .052, and p-value 2 = .046), which was primarily driven by the group of young women with no history of MDD (ORmedian=1.72; ORmin=1.21; ORmax=2.18, both permutation testing p-values = .02).

Adolescent OC use was associated with an increased risk for experiencing an episode of MDD, but only among women with no history of MDD in adolescence. Understanding the potential side effects of OCs will help women and their doctors make informed choices when deciding among possible methods of birth control.

No significant relationships.

Menstrual disorders are common in young women, and heavy menstrual blood losses (MBL) are an important cause of anaemia. Menstrual morbidity normally goes untreated in developing countries where cultural barriers also serve to make the problems. We investigated the prevelance of menstrual morbidity, and measured MBL and its relationship to iron deficiency in a rural adolescent population. The rationale was to assess whether or not reducing heavy MBL could be part of a strategy to reduce iron deficiency anaemia.

Rural village in south-east Nigeria.

Cross-sectional survey.

The studdy included all non-pregnant, unmarried nulliparous girls (< 20 years) who had menstruated, and who lived in K'Dere village.

A field worker allocated to each girl completed a questionnaire, and supervised recovery and collection of soiled pads and ensured blood sampling. MBL was measured using the standard alkaline haematin method. Haemoglobin (HB), serum iron, transferin saturation and protoporphyrin levels (ZPP) were also measured.

307 girls completed MBL measurements; 11.9% refused to participate. 12.1% had menorrhagia (> 80 ml);. median MBL was 33.1 ml. Menorrhagia was more frequent in girls who had menstruated for > 2 years (p = 0.048), and had longer duration of meneses (p < 0.001). Iron status as measured by haematocrit, serum iron, transferrin saturation and ZPP values was inversely related to MBL. Neither height nor body mass index for age was associated with current iron status.

The level of menorrhagia detected (12%) may be an ‘expected’ level for a condition which often has no underlying pathology. Heavy MBL is one of the most important factors contributing to iron deficiency anaemia. Measures are needed to alleviate menstrual disorders and improve iron status. Oral contraceptives can be part of a strategy to reduce anaemia, particularly for adolescents at high risk of unwanted pregnancies.

Menstrual disorders are common in young women, and heavy menstrual blood losses (MBL) are an important cause of anaemia. Menstrual morbidity normally goes untreated in developing countries where cultural barriers also serve to mask the problems. We investigated the prevalence of menstrual morbidity, and measured MBL and its relationship to iron deficiency in a rural adolescent population. The rationale was to assess whether or not reducing heavy MBL could be part of a strategy to reduce iron deficiency anaemia.

Rural village in south-east Nigeria.

Cross-sectional survey.

The study included all non-pregnant, unmarried nulliparous girls (< 20 years) who had menstruated, and who lived in K'Dere village.

A field worker allocated to each girl completed a questionnaire, and supervised recovery and collection of soiled pads and ensured blood sampling. MBL was measured using the standard alkaline haematin method. Haemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, transferrin saturation and protoporphyrin levels (ZPP) were also measured.

307 girls completed MBL measurements; 11.9% refused to participate. 12.1% had menorrhagia (> 80 ml); median MBL was 33.1 ml. Menorrhagia was more frequent in girls who had menstruated for > 2 years (P = 0.048), and had longer duration of menses (P < 0.001). Iron status as measured by haematocrit, serum iron, transferrin saturation and ZPP values was inversely related to MBL. Neither height nor body mass index for age was associated with current iron status.

The level of menorrhagia detected (12%) may be an ‘expected’ level for a condition which often has no underlying pathology. Heavy MBL is one of the most important factors contributing to iron deficiency anaemia. Measures are needed to alleviate menstrual disorders, and improve iron status. Oral contraceptives can be part of a strategy to reduce anaemia, particularly for adolescents at high risk of unwanted pregnancies.