Female hormonal contraception (HC, pills, IUDs, etc.) is one of the most popular methods of contraception. The age of HC use onset is getting younger, and the duration of use is increasing. Although the primary target of HC is the reproductive system, it is known that the use of HC also affects the female brain. The effect on brain structures involved in socio-emotional behaviour, and cognition, such as the prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus, has been reported. Nevertheless, most studies to date have evaluated the short-term effect of HC. Meanwhile, knowledge about the long-term effect of HC use on women’s brain function and the relationship with females' individual characteristics remains limited (Cahill, 2018; Lewis et al., 2019; Brønnick et al., 2020; Griksiene et al., 2022).
The aim of the doctoral project is to assess the general well-being, socio-emotional behaviour, and cognitive performance of women using hormonal contraception in relation to the use duration and individual characteristics. A psychophysiological longitudinal study is planned. Subjective assessment of women's general well-being and mental health will be carried out using questionnaires. Objective assessment will be based on an assessment of emotion perception, emotion regulation, spatial abilities, etc. The performance parameters, the electrical activity of the brain and facial muscles (EEG, EMG), and eye movements will be recorded. ELISA and/or HPLC-MS methods will be used to determine sex hormone levels.