Keywords

Oral Hormonal Contraceptives; Gastrointestinal Side Effects; Gut Microbiome

Abstract

Oral hormonal contraceptives (OHCs) are widely used among reproductive-age women; however, their gastrointestinal (GI) side effects remain understudied. The present study examined associations between OHC use, GI, physical, and psychological symptom burden in a large sample of undergraduate women. Participants (N = 669) aged 18 to 25 years were recruited from UCF’s SONA system and classified into three groups based on self-reported contraceptive status: no birth control, combined estrogen–progestin OHC, and progestin-only OHC. Participants completed GI questionnaires, as well as physical and mental health symptoms ones.

Multivariate analyses indicated that overall GI symptom profiles did not differ significantly by birth control group. However, follow-up univariate analyses revealed domain-specific differences, suggesting that combined oral contraceptive use may be associated with modest elevations in particular symptoms rather than a generalized increase in global GI symptom burden. Specifically, combined OHC users reported significantly greater constipation and nausea relative to comparison groups and demonstrated significantly higher abdominal pain. A multivariate analysis of health domains was significant, with effects primarily driven by the GI symptom cluster. In contrast, mental health outcomes did not differ significantly across groups.

Findings suggest that combined estrogen–progestin contraceptives may be associated with modest elevations in specific gastrointestinal symptoms in otherwise healthy young women. Although effect sizes were small, results highlight the importance of considering domain-specific GI outcomes in contraceptive research and counseling. Longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to clarify causal pathways and the potential role of hormonal influences on the gut –brain axis.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Cassisi, Jeffrey

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Thesis Discipline

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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