Over 300 million women worldwide use hormonal contraceptives (HC), yet their effects on brain structure and function are not well understood. Neuroimaging studies indicate significant changes in cortical and subcortical areas, particularly those involved in emotional regulation and cognitive processing. Adolescents may be more vulnerable to negative effects, suggesting that these structural alterations could have lasting implications. With over 100 formulations available, research is complicated, and ongoing studies are necessary to determine the permanence of these changes and to better understand the neurobiological impact of HC use.
Currently, little is known about hormonal contraceptives' effects on the brain, yet significant neuroimaging studies show notable structural changes during their use.
Neuroimaging studies indicate both increases and decreases in cortical volumes affecting emotional regulation, suggesting hormonal contraceptives may influence brain structure diversely.
The adolescent brain appears particularly sensitive to hormonal contraceptives, raising concerns about potential lasting impacts that necessitate further research.
Despite over 300 million women using hormonal contraceptives globally, a thorough understanding of their neurobiological effects remains crucial and insufficiently explored.
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