Published Nov 21, 2019

280: Sarah Hill | This Is Your Brain on Birth Control

Sarah Hill, evolutionary psychology expert, unveils the profound impact of hormonal birth control on women's brains, stress responses, relationship dynamics, and attraction cues, challenging cultural perceptions and urging deeper exploration of these overlooked effects.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Questions from this episode

- What is cortisol?
  Asked by 129 people
- What is stress?
  Asked by 69 people
- How does parenthood change your life?
  Asked by 44 people
- How does testosterone influence behavior?
  Asked by 43 people
- Why do having kids create a sense of love and connection?
  Asked by 32 people
- How does birth control affect hormone levels?
  Asked by 24 people
- What are your thoughts on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
  Asked by 23 people
- How does taking birth control affect the body?
  Asked by 23 people
- Can you give examples of behavior amplification related to testosterone according to Robert Sapolsky?
  Asked by 21 people
- How does birth control impact health?
  Asked by 20 people
- How does birth control affect partner choice?
  Asked by 19 people
- How does sexual activity affect hormonal health?
  Asked by 12 people
- What are common side effects of the contraceptive pill?
  Asked by 11 people
- What is the menstrual cycle?
  Asked by 9 people
- How do hormonal cycles work?
  Asked by 9 people

Episode Highlights

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280: Sarah Hill | This Is Your Brain on Birth Control

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Questions from this episode

Episode Highlights

Hormonal DisparitiesSarah Hill, a leading researcher in evolutionary psychology, discusses the overlooked consequences of hormonal birth control on women's brains and bodies. She reveals cultural blind spots in how these prescriptions are handled compared to men's anabolic steroids.

Hormonal Disparities

Cortisol and StressHormonal birth control's impact on stress response and chronic stress indicators is profound, altering cortisol levels and potentially affecting memory and mood. Sarah Hill reveals that these changes resemble chronic stress conditions, urging for more awareness and research.

Cortisol and Stress

Effects on RelationshipsSarah Hill explores how hormonal birth control influences women's mate preferences and relationship dynamics. She reveals the complex interplay between contraceptive use, attraction, and satisfaction, urging women to consider these factors in their personal lives.

Effects on Relationships

Impact on Fertility and AttractionSarah Hill explores how hormonal birth control affects fertility cues and attraction signals, impacting social interactions and partner preferences. She reveals the intricate ways estrogen influences perceptions and behaviors, both in women and those around them.

Impact on Fertility and Attraction

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