Elevated plasma oxytocin levels and higher satisfaction with life in young oral contraceptive users

Benjamin Garforth,Elizabeth T Terris,Paul J Zak,Helle Degnbol,Michael Winterdahl

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-64528-w

Benjamin Garforth, Elizabeth T Terris + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64528-w

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Abstract

Oral contraception (OC) is used by approximately fifty-five million women in the USA alone and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organisation. Altered mood is a common reason for OC cessation. Here we investigate the effects of OC on hormones that are linked to mood. We obtained blood samples from 185 young women (average age 21.2) in two cohorts and tested the effects of OC on plasma levels of oxytocin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. We related plasma hormone levels with self-reported measures of mood, well-being and depression. OC-users in both cohorts showed elevated basal oxytocin, lower ACTH, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone compared with non-OC users. Satisfaction With Life Score (SWLS) was higher in OC -users compared to non-OC users, with no differences in the Beck Depression Score (BDI) and Positive And Negative Affect Schedule (PANES). In conclusion, our data show alterations in hormone levels and SWLS in response to OC.

Highlights

Oral contraception (OC) is used by approximately fifty-five million women in the USA alone and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organisation
The aim of the present study was to investigate plasma levels of oxytocin, stress and sex hormones, as well as self-reported measures of mood and well-being, in OC -users compared to non-users in order understand the impact of OC use
Higher satisfaction with life (Satisfaction With Life Scale, Satisfaction With Life Score (SWLS)) was observed in OC-users compared to non-users in both datasets; with no significant difference in positive or negative affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), dataset 1) or depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Depression Score (BDI), dataset 2)

Summary

Introduction

Oral contraception (OC) is used by approximately fifty-five million women in the USA alone and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organisation. We obtained blood samples from 185 young women (average age 21.2) in two cohorts and tested the effects of OC on plasma levels of oxytocin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. These mood effects cause many women to discontinue OC use Hormones, those that circulate in the brain, can have profound effects on mood[5]. Gonadal hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, as well as oxytocin, affect mood, in women[7]. Women are susceptible to depressive symptoms when estrogen levels are low, including premenstually[17] and during menopause[18]. The aim of the present study was to investigate plasma levels of oxytocin, stress and sex hormones, as well as self-reported measures of mood and well-being, in OC -users compared to non-users in order understand the impact of OC use

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