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How Birth Control Changes Your Brain, Mood & Relationships with Dr. Sarah E. Hill
Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD/podcasts What if the birth control you’re taking every day is quietly changing your brain, your mood, your relationships—and even who you’re attracted to? In this groundbreaking episode of hol+, Dr. Taz MD sits down with award-winning researcher and author Dr. Sarah Hill (This Is Your Brain on Birth Control) to reveal the shocking, little-known science of how hormonal contraception shapes not just your reproductive system, but your entire mind and body. From altered stress responses to shifts in attraction, depression risk in teens, and the controversial “bikini science” problem in medical research, Dr. Hill pulls back the curtain on decades of overlooked studies that every woman and parent should know about. She shares her own journey from evolutionary psychologist to outspoken women’s health advocate, explaining why synthetic progestins are not the same as progesterone, how birth control affects your immune system, and why teenagers may be especially vulnerable to its mental health effects. If you’re a woman in your teens, 20s, 30s, or 40s—or a parent guiding your daughter—this episode could change the way you think about hormone health, fertility, and your body’s natural rhythms. Dr. Hill and Dr. Taz discuss: How birth control changes the brain’s structure and functionThe difference between progesterone and synthetic progestins (and why it matters)Why “bikini science” has failed women in medical researchThe surprising link between birth control and partner attractionThe immune system’s hidden connection to hormonal cyclingTeen mental health risks: depression, anxiety, and brain developmentSafer contraceptive choices and how to support your body if you use the pillHow nutrition and micronized progesterone might help offset side effectsThis conversation is more than just information — it’s a wake-up call for how we study, prescribe, and support women’s health. Topics Covered: Hormonal birth control’s impact on the brainSynthetic hormones vs. bioidentical hormonesPartner choice and relationship satisfaction researchAutoimmunity and immune system differences in womenMental health risks for adolescent usersNon-hormonal birth control optionsNutritional and hormonal support strategiesConnect further to Hol+ at https://holplus.co/- Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of hol+. About Dr. Sarah E. Hill Sarah E. Hill, Ph.D., is the author of This is Your Brain on Birth Control and an award-winning researcher who has spent most of her 20+ year career studying women, relationships, and health. In addition to having established an award-winning health and relationships lab at TCU, she has published nearly 100 academic research articles, is a sought-after public speaker, and sits on the scientific advisory boards for women’s health companies such as Flo and 28 Wellness. Her research is regularly covered by national media, such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and many others, and is regularly published in highly prestigious journals, including Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Psychoneuroendocrinology, Psychological Science, and Health Psychology. Stay Connected Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://holplus.transistor.fm/subscribe Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD/podcasts Follow Dr. Taz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/ https://www.instagram.com/liveholplus/ Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/@drtazmd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drtazmd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtazmd/ Connect with Dr. Sarah E. Hill: https://www.sarahehill.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sarahehillphd Host & Production Team Host: Dr. Taz; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Lead Producer: Lauren Feighan; Editors: Jeremiah Schultz and Patrick Edwards) Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of hol+ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:12 The Flaws in Medical Research on Women 17:51 Dr. Hill's Personal Journey with Birth Control 21:43 The Science Behind Birth Control's Effects on the Brain 27:45 How Birth Control Influences Attraction and Relationships 34:44 Impact of Birth Control on Relationship Satisfaction 37:31 Divorce Rates and Birth Control 40:12 Hormones and Brain Influence 41:35 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Progesterone vs. Progestin 47:57 Birth Control and Mental Health in Teens 01:00:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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