Hormonal birth control can disrupt the natural production of allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid that promotes relaxation and helps regulate anxiety. Women on birth control often experience lower levels of this hormone, potentially leading to increased anxiety, which can escalate into depression if persistent. Additionally, these women may experience dysregulated oxytocin signaling, affecting their ability to recognize emotional expressions, particularly in their children. While further research is needed on the long-term effects after discontinuation of birth control, current findings suggest significant changes in brain chemistry and emotional processing during use.
Beyond pregnancy prevention, birth control pills affect the way women think and behave. Dr. Sarah Hill explains their invisible impacts here! [Part 2/2 — find part 1 here!]
What We Discuss:
- Birth control pills can potentially affect brain development in teenagers, raising concerns about prescribing them for non-contraceptive reasons like acne treatment.
- There's a possible link between birth control use and increased risk of depression, especially in younger women (up to 300% increased risk for teenagers).
- The politicization of birth control information has led to extreme views on both sides, making it difficult for women to access balanced, scientifically accurate information.
- Current research methods may mask individual experiences with birth control, as averaging results can hide significant variations among women.
- How women can empower themselves to take control of their reproductive health while being mindful of potential impacts on their overall well-being.
- And much more — be sure to catch part one of this two-part conversation here!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1032
This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals
Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!
Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!
Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!