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.

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