Contraceptive Hormone Effects on Memory in Women

Various studies show women and men have differences in remembering emotional details of an event. A group of scientists recently discovered, there are other factors that affect women's memory, namely the use of contraceptives.

Based on their findings, the birth control device that influences the hormones of the brain associated with memory. That is why the traumatic event stronger impact on women who use hormonal contraceptives.
Parts of the amygdala in the brain - a central role in making and storing memories will be affected by the use of contraception. Contraceptive hormones estrogen and progesterone in reducing a woman's body so that the limit of ovulation. But experts do not know clearly how to work the two hormones is to remember one incident.

In the study quoted by news stations Fox News, the researchers looked at whether women who use contraceptive pills to remember the incident in more detail than those who do not use it. Each group was asked to watch one event of accidents. Before the screening, experts took saliva samples to measure alpha-amylase - a chemical associated with stress.

After seven days, women not using contraception can be given the heart of the story but without many details as told by the users of contraception. Experts believe, this difference may be due to the amount of estrogen and progesterone hormones that affect the stress in the brain.

So experts advise to seek contraception that does not give negative effects on memory. This study also emphasizes that women are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than men.