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

Background

Stress, a major risk factor for mental health problems, is influenced by hormonal fluctuations from the menstrual cycle and hormonal oral contraceptives (OC). Despite widespread use, the impact of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) on stress is limited to one study.

Aims

This study examines psychoendocrine stress responses in women using IUDs, OCs and women with a natural, regular menstrual cycle (NC) to better understand how endogenous and exogenous hormones influence stress.

Method

Using a repeated-measures design, we investigated stress responses in IUD and OC users and NC women. The Maastricht Acute Stress Task and its control task were applied twice within 4 months to assess subjective, endocrine and physiological stress correlates. Detailed endogenous and exogenous hormonal profiles were obtained, and women completed a 7-day diary (via ecological momentary assessment) after each appointment.

Results

Based on subjective, physiological and cortisol responses, stress induction was successful in all groups. IUD users reported higher subjective stress, negative affect and anxiety and lower positive affect compared to NC women. OC users exhibited a blunted cortisol response and higher heart rate but reported less acute stress and negative emotions than the other groups in the 7-day diary. Oestradiol and progesterone were suppressed in OC and IUD users compared with NC women. Progesterone, testosterone and oestradiol were differently associated with skin conductance, socio-emotional stress and negative affect.

Conclusions

IUD and OC use distinctly affect stress response, possibly because of their diverging metabolic pathways and hormone levels. IUD users showed higher emotional reactivity to stress in both lab and daily life, while OCs influenced physiological correlates. These findings highlight that exogenous hormone administration, previously thought to have limited systemic effects, affects women’s psychological well-being, underscoring the need for further research into stress-related disorders among women using hormonal contraceptives.