Researchers tested the effects of birth control on stress levels and the ability of those using the pill to recover from anxious sensations in an unprecedented study (1). Here’s what they discovered and the significance of this finding.
Oral birth control pills appear to have a deleterious effect on the body’s capacity to control stress, according to the study.
With an average age of 20.5 years, the researchers looked at the hormone levels and stress reactions of 131 young women.
To assess the women’s stress resilience, the researchers took an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) reading during a stressful event. More quickly than variations in the more well-known stress hormone cortisol, ACTH can indicate changes in stress levels.
The innate capacity to recover from an anxiety reaction is known as stress resilience. As natural as the stress response, stress resilience also comes from the understanding that everyone will eventually escape the fight-or-flight response; the earlier this happens, the better.
To conduct this study, the ladies were given stressful treatment when their blood was drawn, and immediately following the prick, the researchers assessed the women’s ACTH levels.
After that, participants engaged in group activities for fifteen minutes, such as board games, group singing, group discussions, etc. Since social connection is one of the best methods to reduce stress, this was intended to stimulate a release of anxiety (2).
According to the findings, women who were not taking birth control pills had lower levels of stress hormones after engaging in social activities for 15 minutes. Stress hormone levels did not significantly decline in women using birth control.
Nevertheless, 70% of participants had a reduction in ACTH levels at some point during the group activities, supporting the beneficial effects of sociability following stress.
The Significance of these Results
In this study, there are several noteworthy findings. First off, while the specific birth control pills used in the trial were not specified in the study, it is crucial to recognize the differences between the two primary types: progestin-only and combination pills.
Progestin-only pills: Progestin is the only ingredient in these pills, sometimes referred to as mini-pills. Even though these tablets might work more locally than combo pills, they might still affect the HPA axis, which could have an impact on stress control.
Combination birth control pills: these pills have progestin and estrogen in equal amounts. Combination tablets containing synthetic hormones have the potential to disrupt the body’s normal hormonal balance, which includes the regulation of the stress-inducing HPA aka hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (3). This could have an impact on the release of cortisol and ACTH, which would change how the body handles stress.
Surprisingly, ACTH measures showed superior stress recovery during the menstrual and secretory, commonly known as the luteal phases, then the follicular phase, even among the group of women who were not using birth control.
Although the experiment used a relatively simple scenario, such as a blood draw, to test stress levels, these results are crucial to consider when evaluating how women react to stress in everyday life and in stressful circumstances.
With an average follicular phase lasting 14 days throughout a 28-day cycle, women are physiologically more prone than men to have trouble recovering from stress during almost half of the period, even when they are not using birth control. All parts of the cycle are associated with a poorer ability to regulate stress in women using birth control.
For many, especially those who have taken birth control pills or experienced mood swings during their period, this may not come as by accident, but it’s important to know why this occurs and what you can do about it.
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Strategies to Increase Stress Resilience
These results demonstrate why particular times of your menstrual cycle or taking birth control pills may make stress resilience more difficult. Whether you take a medication or not, it’s beneficial to understand how to increase your stress resilience. Here are some pointers for doing so:
Develop a robust social network.
Having strong emotional ties to friends, family, and support groups can aid in stress management. Develop a solid support system.
Engage in regular exercise.
Exercise daily to release endorphins, which are organic stress relievers that elevate mood and lower stress levels. A quick daily stroll could have a significant positive impact on mood and reduce stress.
Make dietary and lifestyle changes.
Stress levels can be increased by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and stimulants, so put a balanced diet and enough sleep first.
Take part in breathwork.
When you can help your body become more at peace and relaxed, your mind will automatically function better and have a chance to recover from stress. To start, try these 3 Beginner Breathwork Methods.
Lastly, keep in mind that you have options even though many birth control techniques aren’t ideal. If you’re feeling more stressed out while using birth control, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctors about your worries. They can provide advice and investigate other methods of birth control.
Additionally, if you’re having trouble managing your stress, prioritize your mental health and think about speaking with a therapist. They can’t alter the way the drug affects your body, but they can provide you more tools to help you heal and stay stress-free.
To Wrap Things Up
this study underscores the significant impact of birth control pills on stress resilience, particularly highlighting the difference in stress hormone recovery between women who use birth control and those who don’t. While the research shows that social activities can help reduce stress for many, it’s clear that birth control can influence how our bodies handle stress. If you’re experiencing heightened stress while on birth control, it’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
By staying informed and proactive, you can explore alternatives and adopt stress-relief strategies to better manage your mental and physical well-being. Understanding your body’s responses and seeking support are key steps in maintaining a healthy, balanced life.
Sources |
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion in response to anticipatory stress and venepuncture: The role of menstrual phase and oral contraceptive use – ScienceDirect
- Social Support and Resilience to Stress – PMC (nih.gov)
- Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks – PMC (nih.gov)
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