A 16-year-old girl from the UK died from a blood clot in her brain three weeks after taking contraceptive pills for menstrual pain. Layla Khan experienced vomiting and headaches, but was initially diagnosed with a stomach bug. She collapsed and was taken to the hospital where a CT scan revealed the blood clot. Despite undergoing surgery, Layla was declared brain-dead. Her organs were donated, saving five lives. The family is devastated and questions why there were no red flags raised earlier.
A study conducted in Canada has found that women who use oral contraceptives (OCs) have a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) compared to men, potentially impairing emotion regulation. The study suggests that this effect may be reversible after discontinuing OC use. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to understand the impact and reversibility of OC use on brain anatomy and emotional regulation. They also highlighted the importance of considering the effects of sex hormones on brain development, particularly in adolescence when many girls start using OCs. The objective of the study is to raise awareness about the potential effects of OCs on the brain and promote further research in women's health.
Scientists have discovered a potential link between the use of oral contraceptives and changes in the brain regions responsible for processing fear. The study found that women who currently use combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) compared to men. However, this effect appears to be reversible, as those who stopped using contraceptives or had never used them did not show the same change. While there are no known negative effects associated with these brain changes, further research is needed to understand the implications. The study highlights the need for more research on women's health and the potential impact of hormonal contraceptives on brain structure.
A study has found that women's mood can decline during the 7-day pill-free interval of contraceptive cycles, with heightened anxiety and negative feelings similar to those experienced during menstruation. The exact cause of this mood alteration is still under investigation, whether it is due to hormone withdrawal or the physical effects of withdrawal bleeding. The findings suggest the need for discussions about adjusting contraceptive pill cycles to address these mood changes.
A large-scale study from Uppsala University has found that the use of combined contraceptive pills significantly increases the risk of depression in women, especially during the first two years of use and particularly in teenage users. Women who used combined contraceptive pills were at greater risk of developing depression than women who did not, with contraceptive pills increasing women’s risk by 73 percent during the first two years of use. The researchers call for increased awareness among healthcare providers and clear patient communication about potential risks.
