Hormonal Contraceptives and their effect on Attraction and Libido

Hormonal Birth Control and Attraction

The whimsical, ephemeral, unpredictable story of attraction can sometimes allude us all. There are just so many factors!!! But one that is uncommonly talked about is whether (or not) your hormonal birth control is impacting your attraction and libido.

There is some evidence to suggest that hormonal birth control may have negative side effects on attraction.

One study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology found that women who were taking hormonal contraceptives showed a weaker preference for masculine faces and voices than women who were not taking hormonal contraceptives. Masculine features in men are typically associated with higher levels of testosterone, and studies have shown that women tend to find masculine features more attractive when they are ovulating and at their most fertile. However, hormonal contraceptives alter a woman's hormonal balance, surpressing ovulation, and potentially making her less responsive to masculine features.

Another study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior found that women who were taking hormonal contraceptives had a lower sex drive and were less likely to initiate sex than women who were not taking hormonal contraceptives. The study also found that women who were taking hormonal contraceptives had less frequent sexual fantasies and were less satisfied with their sex lives.

Some things to consider:

1.  Changes in pheromones: Pheromones are chemical signals that can influence attraction and sexual behavior. Some studies suggest that hormonal birth control may alter a woman's natural pheromones, making her less attractive to potential partners.
   
2.  Changes in libido: Hormonal birth control can also affect a woman's libido, or sex drive. Some women report a decrease in libido while taking hormonal birth control, which could impact their interest in sexual activity and attraction to others.
   
3.  Changes in partner preference: Hormonal birth control may also influence a woman's partner preference. One study found that women who were taking hormonal birth control were less likely to be attracted to men who had similar genetic profiles to their own, which could impact the chances of finding a compatible partner.
   
4.  Mood changes: Hormonal birth control can also affect a woman's mood, which could impact her attraction to others. Some women report feeling more irritable or anxious while taking hormonal birth control, which could affect their ability to form and maintain relationships.
   

It's important to note, however, that the effects of hormonal contraceptives on attraction and sexual behavior can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of contraceptive being used. Additionally, other factors such as stress, fatigue, and relationship issues can also affect attraction and sexual behavior.

If you're ready to transition off HBC, we recommend that you start taking Ova Moon about 3 months prior to coming off the pill to rebuild nutrients in the body. If you recently came off of HBC, it's still totally worth it for your body to start now. From there, continuing to take Ova Moon Hormone + Cycle Balancing Multi to support symptom regulation as your body finds its new equilibrium is going to set you up for optimum health AND an easeful cycle.

We are in this with you sister!

Love,

Ariel & Dana (both formerly on hormonal birth control)