While birth control pills offer important health benefits for women, they aren’t without potential downsides. Some users might experience mood-related side effects. In a groundbreaking recent study, researchers examined how birth control affects stress levels and the way individuals on the pill handle anxious feelings. Here’s what the study uncovered and why its findings are significant.
Negative Influence on Stress Resilience
A fresh study published in Behavioural Brain Research has highlighted that oral birth control pills could have an adverse impact on the body’s ability to manage stress. To measure women’s “stress resilience,” the researchers tracked their levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) during stressful situations. ACTH can signal shifts in stress levels faster than the more commonly known stress hormone cortisol.
Jeff Yoo, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Moment of Clarity Mental Health Center, explains that stress resilience refers to the innate ability to recover from anxiety. He emphasizes that stress resilience is a natural counterpart to the stress response itself, and the faster one can transition out of the fight-or-flight mode, the better. For the study, participants blood was drawn (creating a stressful scenario), and ACTH levels were measured immediately afterward. The participants engaged in group activities like board games, singing together, and group conversations for about 15 minutes. This was intended to prompt an anxiety-releasing effect, as social interaction ranks among the most effective ways to reduce stress.
The findings indicated that the stress hormone levels decreased significantly in women not using birth control pills after the 15-minute social activity. However, women on birth control did not exhibit the same notable decrease in stress hormone levels. Still, it’s worth noting that ACTH levels decreased in 70% of all participants during the group activities, underscoring the positive influence of socializing after experiencing stress.
The study encompassed the stress responses and hormone levels of 131 young women, with an average age of 20.5 years old.
Implications of these Discoveries
Several important points arise from this study’s findings. To start, “the particular birth control pills utilized in the research weren’t specified. Nevertheless, it’s vital to grasp the difference between the two primary types: combination pills and progestin-only pills,” emphasizes Karen Toubi, M.D., a certified OB/GYN. She elaborates on both types below:
- Combination pills: “These birth control pills contain synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones. The presence of these synthetic hormones in combination pills could potentially disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance, which includes regulating the HPA [hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal] axis responsible for the stress response. Consequently, the release of ACTH and cortisol might be influenced, leading to changes in the body’s stress management.”
- Progestin-only pills: “Also known as mini-pills, progestin-only pills solely consist of progestin. Although their impact might be more localized compared to combination pills, there’s still a chance that they could impact stress regulation by affecting the HPA axis.”
Interestingly, even among the women not using birth control, ACTH measurements indicated improved stress recovery during the menstrual and secretory phases (also known as the luteal phase) compared to the proliferative phase (follicular phase).
Although the study assessed stress levels through a basic situation like a blood draw, these findings have significant implications when considering how women respond to stress in daily life and challenging circumstances.
The average follicular phase lasts around 14 days in a 28-day cycle. This means that roughly half of the time, women might find it biologically more challenging to bounce back from stress, regardless of whether they are using birth control pills. For those using birth control, the tendency for poor stress regulation persists throughout all cycle phases.
While this might not be unexpected for many, especially those who have used birth control or experienced mood shifts during their cycle, it’s crucial to comprehend the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore potential strategies to address it.
What about hormonal IUDs?
“Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) release progestin, which is similar to the progestin in progestin-only pills but at a much lower dose. Some experts believe that the hormones in IUDs mainly stay in the uterus, but recent research indicates that small amounts of hormones might enter the bloodstream. This raises the question of whether hormonal IUDs could potentially impact the HPA axis and lead to changes in stress regulation. However, due to the significantly smaller hormone dose (since most women still ovulate each month), the likelihood of affecting the mental aspect is much lower with hormonal IUDs,” explains Toubi.
How to boost stress resilience
These findings highlight why building stress resilience might be tougher while using birth control pills or going through certain phases of your cycle. It’s valuable to know how to enhance your stress resilience, whether you’re on the pill or not.
Here are some tips from Yoo and Toubi on how to do just that:
- Practice breathwork: If you can bring more relaxation and ease to your body, your mind will naturally function better and have a chance to recover from stress,” Yoo suggests. He recommends trying breathwork—here are three beginner-friendly techniques to give a shot.
- Stay active regularly: “Engaging in regular physical activity can release endorphins, which act as natural stress relievers, improving mood and reducing stress,” Toubi explains. Yoo adds that even a simple daily walk could do wonders for easing stress and boosting your mood.
- Adjust your diet and lifestyle: “Prioritize a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol and stimulant consumption, as they can worsen stress levels,” Toubi advises.
- Build a strong social life: Establish a strong support system with friends, family, or support groups, as having emotional connections can help you manage stress.
Finally, keep in mind that while many birth control methods aren’t flawless, you do have choices. “If you’re experiencing increased stress while on birth control, don’t hesitate to talk about your concerns with healthcare professionals. They can provide guidance and explore alternative contraceptive options,” Toubi points out.
Furthermore, prioritize your mental health and think about talking to a therapist if you’re struggling to handle stress. While they can’t change how the medication affects your body, they can assist you in developing tools to recover from and prevent stress.
In Conclusion
According to a recent study, birth control pills can harm stress resilience. While not everyone is ready to quit using birth control, it’s crucial to include stress-relieving habits in your daily routine. If you believe your birth control pill is affecting your physical or mental well-being, consult your doctor about other choices. And remember, focusing on your social connections isn’t self-indulgence; it’s advantageous for your mental health and overall well-being.