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Subjective, Behavioural And Physiological Correlates Of Stress In Women Using Hormonal Contraceptives

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Subjective, Behavioural And Physiological Correlates Of Stress In Women Using Hormonal Contraceptives

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Subjective, behavioural and physiological correlates of stress in women using hormonal contraceptives

Zoé Bürger^1,2, Charlotte Kordowich¹, Julia Kübbeler¹

¹Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science

|June 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptives (OCs) distinctly impact women's stress responses. IUD users experience heightened emotional reactivity, while OCs blunt cortisol levels, affecting psychological well-being.

Keywords:

Stress hormonal contraception hormones intrauterine device menstrual cycle

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Area of Science:

Psychoendocrinology
Neuroendocrinology
Women's Health

Background:

Stress is a significant risk factor for mental health issues.
Hormonal fluctuations from the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives (OCs) influence stress levels.
Limited research exists on the impact of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) on stress responses.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate psychoendocrine stress responses in women using IUDs, OCs, and those with natural menstrual cycles (NC).
To understand how endogenous and exogenous hormones influence stress in different contraceptive user groups.
To compare stress correlates across IUD users, OC users, and NC women.

Main Methods:

A repeated-measures design was employed to assess stress responses.

The Maastricht Acute Stress Task was used to evaluate subjective, endocrine, and physiological stress correlates.

Detailed hormonal profiles and daily mood via ecological momentary assessment were collected over 4 months.

Main Results:

Stress induction was successful across all participant groups.
IUD users reported higher subjective stress and negative affect compared to NC women.
OC users showed a blunted cortisol response and higher heart rate, with suppressed oestradiol and progesterone levels.

Conclusions:

Hormonal IUD and OC use differentially affect stress response mechanisms.
IUD users exhibited increased emotional reactivity to stress in both laboratory and daily life settings.
Findings underscore the systemic effects of exogenous hormones on women's psychological well-being and stress regulation.