Hormonal contraceptives taken by adolescents may affect risk assessment behavior

Hormonal Contraceptives and Brain Development in Adolescents

A recent study conducted at The Ohio State University suggests that hormonal contraceptives taken by adolescents may have an impact on brain development, specifically in the recognition of risks. The researchers focused on the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that continues to develop throughout adolescence. The study found that hormonal birth control increased myelination, the formation of a protective coating on brain cells, and decreased the number of immune cells in the brain. Additionally, behavior tests showed signs of impulsivity in the rats given hormonal contraceptives.

“We start the rats on hormonal contraceptives as soon as they go through puberty and give them throughout adolescence, and then do behavioral tasks at the cusp of adulthood. By the end of adolescence, impulsivity shouldn’t be as much of a thing, but that doesn’t seem to be the case – which, while highly speculative, suggests hormonal contraceptives might be stalling brain maturation.”

– Benedetta Leuner, co-senior author of the study and associate professor of psychology at Ohio State

This study is significant as it is the first to detect synthetic forms of these hormones in adolescent rats’ brain tissue. The presence of these hormones in the brain raises important questions about their effects on brain development during adolescence.

The Importance of Understanding Hormonal Birth Control’s Effects on the Developing Brain

It is estimated that 2 in 5 teenage girls in the United States engage in sexual intercourse between the ages of 15 and 19. Among those using birth control, almost 5% use hormonal contraceptives, which are also prescribed for treating acne and heavy periods. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effects of hormonal birth control on the developing brain so individuals can make informed decisions about their reproductive health choices.

The Study’s Findings and Implications

The researchers administered a combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone, commonly found in hormonal contraceptives, to female rats from early to late adolescence. They compared the behavior and brain tissue of these rats to untreated rats. The study focused on myelination and immune cells called microglia, as both play essential roles in prefrontal cortex development and communication between cells. The researchers found that myelination increased and microglia decreased in rats given hormonal contraceptives, suggesting disrupted communication in the brain.

In behavior tests, the rats given hormonal contraceptives exhibited risk-taking behavior, such as remaining in wide open elevated spaces and sampling treats in unfamiliar settings. These findings further support the potential impact of hormonal contraceptives on risk assessment.

A sensitive lab technique confirmed the presence of synthetic hormones in the brain tissue of the treated rats. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are due to the suppression of natural hormone production or if the synthetic hormones are directly affecting the brain.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for further research on the effects of hormonal contraceptives on brain development in adolescents. Understanding these effects is crucial for individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discussion on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 5: Gender Equality. By exploring the potential risks and benefits of hormonal contraceptives, we can work towards ensuring the well-being and empowerment of adolescents.

Sources:

• Ohio State University

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
• SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
• SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: Percentage of teenage girls with access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning information and education.
• Indicator: Percentage of learners who have acquired knowledge and skills related to sustainable development, including sexual and reproductive health education.
• Indicator: Percentage of women with universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: news-medical.net

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