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

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.

Oxytocin Release Increases With Age and Is Associated With Life Satisfaction and Prosocial Behaviors

“…More generally, life satisfaction among seniors covaries with health, marital status, religiosity, and cognitive function ( Bergan and McConatha, 2001 ; Bailey and Snyder, 2007 ; Parra-Rizo and Sanchis-Soler, 2020 ). Basal OT has been associated with higher SWL in young adults ( Garforth et al, 2020 ) but has not to date been examined in older populations.…”

The impact of motherhood on the course of women's psychological wellbeing

“…We have, however, no knowledge whether the controls were voluntary or involuntary childless. More stable levels of psychological wellbeing are being found among women who use oral contraception, which is more likely to be the case in the (voluntary) childless group of women (Garforth et al, 2020). Oral contraception might contribute to the within-group stability of the controls.…”

Exploring a Possible Interplay between Schizophrenia, Oxytocin, and Estrogens: A Narrative Review

“…Moreover, the endogenous OXT system in schizophrenia appears to be dysregulated but it is not yet clear whether it translates into incremented or reduced levels of the neuropeptide in the central or peripheral system [ 30 , 42 ]. The endogenous OXT profile in female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy individuals may be dissimilarly influenced by various factors, such as menstrual cycle irregularities, contraceptive use, antipsychotic medication, etc., (e.g., [ 139 ]). Thus, the interactions between OXT and estrogen, as well as OXT and schizophrenia, need to be further clarified.…”