Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0004-0614-6593

Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Reader 1

Brian Duistermars

Reader 2

Marion Preest

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2024 Alexandria A Davis

Abstract

4-10% of women who use hormonal oral contraceptives (HOCs) discontinue use after experiencing symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and depression in the first 3 months of administration. Previous studies have acknowledged a relationship between HOCs and emotional dysregulation but have not identified mechanisms by which HOCs have this effect. As a result, effective treatment options for HOC-induced mood disorders are lacking. Current theories implicate combined-HOCs, particularly those containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (EE-LNG), in reducing neuroactive steroid levels. Specifically, HOC users show decreases in allopregnanolone, a positive allosteric modulator associated with neuronal inhibition and emotional regulation. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of integrating synthetic neuroactive steroid treatment with HOC use as a potential therapy for contraceptive-related mood alterations. Recent FDA approval of synthetic neuroactive steroids such as brexanolone and zuranolone for the treatment of postpartum disorder underscores their potential effectiveness and highlights their relevance for addressing hormonal-related mood changes. Additionally, recent interest in ganaxolone as a therapeutic option for major depressive disorder as well as severe anxiety disorders further establishes restoration of neuroactive steroid activity as a target for treatment. Evaluating the effectuality of synthetic neuroactive steroids allows for a greater understanding of the role of HOC-disrupted neuroactive steroid levels in emotional regulation, and offers a potential treatment avenue for the vulnerable subset of women struggling with the adverse effects of HOCs. Using a combination of self-report mood questionnaires, fMRI scans, and EEG recordings, this study will assess the efficacy of synthetic neuroactive steroids in alleviating mood symptoms and elucidate their underlying neurobiological mechanisms. This research contributes to women's health by advancing understanding and treatment options for mood disorders induced by hormonal contraceptives, advocating for comprehensive care and informed decision-making.

Download

Share

COinS