Hormonal contraceptives affect emotions and memory.

Hormonal birth control influences emotions and memory.

Why it matters

  • Millions use hormonal contraceptives.
  • Affects emotions and memory, key to mental health.

By the numbers

  • Over 60M U.S. women have used contraceptives.
  • Compared hormonal contraceptive users with naturally cycling women.

The big picture

  • Influences brain areas tied to emotions and memory.
  • Potential link to depression.

What they're saying

  • Frustration over women's health being overlooked.
  • Interest in comparing contraceptive types.

Caveats

  • Findings may not apply to all women.
  • Some study limitations.

What’s next

  • Study menstrual phases and contraceptive types.