Background: Depression is a mental disorder with higher prevalence in women,especially during reproductive age. The use of hormonal contraceptives, such asprogestin implants, is suspected to affect allopregnanolone levels, a neurosteroid involved in mood regulation, potentially increasing depression risk. However, therelationship between implant duration, allopregnanolone levels, and depression remains controversial and requires further investigation.

Objective: This study aimedto analyze the correlation between allopregnanolone levels and the duration of implant use on depression among implant acceptors compared to IUD users.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 90 women aged 20–35 years, divided into three groups: implant users <1 year (n=30), implant users ≥1 year (n=30), and IUD users (n=30). Allopregnanolone levels were measured using ELISA, while depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests.

Results: Allopregnanolone levels in implant users (<1 year: 2.33 ± 0.99 nmol/L; ≥1year: 2.68 ± 1.19 nmol/L) were significantly lower than in IUD users (3.49 ± 1.40nmol/L; p=0.001). However, no significant differences in depression scores were observed among the groups (p=0.204). Additionally, no significant correlation was found between allopregnanolone levels and depression scores in any group (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Progestin implant use is associated with reduced allopregnanolonelevels but does not significantly increase depression risk compared to IUDs. These findings support the safety of implants as long-term contraceptives without adversemental health effects. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm causal relationships.

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