Most Replayed Moment: Would You Still Love Them If You Came Off The Pill...? Your Hormones Are Controlling You!
In this episode of The Diary Of A CEO, Sarah Hill examines how hormones influence women's sexuality and mate preferences. She discusses how estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle affect women's attraction to certain physical traits in potential partners, and explains how hormonal birth control can alter these natural preferences by maintaining consistently low estrogen levels.
Hill shares insights from her research and personal experience, having used hormonal birth control for over a decade before stopping. She explores how birth control can impact women's identity, emotional state, and relationship dynamics, and discusses potential broader implications, including the relationship between women's hormonal states and men's testosterone levels.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 13, 2025 episode of the The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
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1-Page Summary
Hormonal Effects on Women's Sexuality and Attraction Preferences
Sarah Hill examines how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle influence women's partner preferences and sexuality.
Partner Preferences and Hormonal Changes
Hill explains that during the fertile window (days 9-15) of the menstrual cycle, rising estrogen levels lead to increased sexual desire and a stronger preference for masculine, dominant mates. These preferences are tied to [restricted term]-related cues in men, which can indicate genetic quality and immune system strength. However, women using hormonal birth control, which maintains low estrogen levels, show reduced preference for these masculine traits compared to naturally cycling women.
Personal Insights on Hormonal Birth Control
After being on hormonal birth control for over a decade, Hill discovered significant changes when she stopped taking it. She experienced increased sexual desire, improved mood, and higher energy levels. This personal awakening led her to study how hormonal contraception affects women's identity, including their emotional state, stress response, and physical capabilities.
Understanding Birth Control's Broader Impact
Hill's research reveals that hormonal birth control can influence relationship dynamics by altering women's mate preferences. When women discontinue birth control, their attraction to partners may change, particularly affecting those with less physically attractive partners. Additionally, Hill discusses potential connections between widespread hormonal birth control use and declining [restricted term] levels in men, noting that men's [restricted term] levels can be influenced by exposure to fertile women and engagement in caregiving activities.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- During the fertile window of the menstrual cycle, rising estrogen levels in women can lead to increased sexual desire and a preference for masculine, dominant mates. This preference is linked to evolutionary theories suggesting that traits associated with masculinity and dominance may indicate genetic quality and immune system strength in potential partners. Estrogen influences the perception of these traits, making women more attracted to characteristics that are typically associated with higher [restricted term] levels in men during this phase of their cycle.
- Hormonal birth control can impact women's mate preferences by altering their attraction towards masculine traits typically associated with genetic quality and immune system strength. Women using hormonal birth control may show reduced preference for these traits compared to naturally cycling women due to the maintenance of low estrogen levels. This difference in mate preferences can influence relationship dynamics and potentially affect attraction towards partners, especially those with less physically attractive traits. The hormonal changes induced by birth control can lead to shifts in women's sexual desires and partner preferences, highlighting the complex interplay between hormones and mate selection.
- Hormonal birth control can affect women's mate preferences, potentially leading to changes in attraction towards their partners. This shift in attraction could impact relationship dynamics, especially concerning partners' physical attractiveness. Some research suggests a link between widespread hormonal birth control use and declining [restricted term] levels in men, possibly influenced by changes in women's preferences and behaviors.
- Exposure to fertile women can lead to an increase in men's [restricted term] levels due to evolutionary mechanisms that drive mating behaviors. This increase is thought to enhance men's competitiveness and sexual motivation in the presence of potential fertile partners. Engagement in caregiving activities, on the other hand, is associated with lower [restricted term] levels as a way to promote nurturing and cooperative behaviors rather than competitive or aggressive ones.
Counterarguments
- Hormonal influences on attraction are complex and not solely determined by menstrual cycle changes; psychological, social, and cultural factors also play significant roles.
- The preference for masculine, dominant mates during the fertile window is not universal among all women and can be influenced by individual differences and cultural backgrounds.
- The effects of hormonal birth control on sexual desire and mood can vary widely among women, and not all experience negative side effects.
- The relationship between hormonal birth control and identity is not fully understood, and attributing changes in identity solely to birth control may overlook other contributing factors.
- The impact of hormonal birth control on relationship dynamics is not deterministic, and many relationships remain stable despite changes in hormonal status.
- The assertion that discontinuing birth control can change attraction to partners may not account for the complexity of long-term relationship satisfaction and commitment.
- The link between widespread hormonal birth control use and declining [restricted term] levels in men is not conclusively established and may be influenced by a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors.
- The influence of men's [restricted term] levels by exposure to fertile women and caregiving activities is an area of ongoing research, and definitive conclusions cannot be drawn without considering the broader context of men's health and behavior.
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Hormonal Effects on Women's Sexuality and Attraction Preferences
Sarah Hill explores the intricate ways in which hormonal fluctuations within the menstrual cycle can influence women's preferences for potential partners.
Partner Preferences Shift With Hormonal Changes in Menstrual Cycle
Rising Pre-ovulation Estrogen Boosts Women's Preference For Masculine, Dominant Mates
The discussion begins with understanding that, early in the menstrual cycle, when both estrogen and progesterone are low, women tend to have certain mate preferences. However, as their cycle continues and estrogen levels start to rise due to maturing eggs releasing estrogen, these preferences start to evolve. Hill points out that from around day nine to day fifteen of the menstrual cycle, which marks the fertile window, women exhibit a change in sexual psychology characterized by increased sexual desire and discernment in partner selection.
At this time, women exhibit a heightened preference for masculine, dominant mates, coinciding with a surge in estrogen levels that peak at ovulation around day 14. This increased estrogen level correlates with a greater interest in [restricted term]-related cues in men. These traits are associated with a strong immune system robust enough to handle the immunosuppressive effects of [restricted term], a potential indicator of genetic quality and immunocompetence.
Hill emphasizes that research confirms an increased preference for more masculinized faces, voices, and behaviors in men when women are in the high fertility phase of their cycle as opposed to low fertility. This shift is directly tied to the rise in estrogen during the fertile window.
Women on Horminal Birth Control Show Less Preference For [restricted term]-Linked Traits in Men Compared To Naturall ...
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Hormonal Effects on Women's Sexuality and Attraction Preferences
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Hormonal influences on mate preferences are complex and not solely determined by estrogen levels; other factors such as individual differences, cultural norms, and personal experiences also play significant roles.
- Some studies suggest that the effect of menstrual cycle phases on women's preferences for masculinity and dominance in men is not as strong or consistent as once thought, indicating that these preferences may be more nuanced.
- The relationship between hormonal birth control and mate preferences is not fully understood, and some research indicates that the effects may be less pronounced or variable among different women.
- The preference for masculine traits could be partially influenced by societal stereotypes and media portrayals of masculinity, rather than purely biological factors.
- The idea that women's preferences change significantly throughout the menstrual cycle may oversimplify the complexity of human attraction and does not account for same-sex attraction or the preferences of non-heterose ...
Actionables
- You can track your menstrual cycle to better understand your attraction patterns by using a cycle tracking app or journal. By noting your emotional and physical responses to different types of people during various phases of your cycle, you may observe patterns that align with the hormonal changes described. For example, if you find yourself more drawn to certain traits during the middle of your cycle, this could be an indication of the high fertility phase influence.
- Consider discussing with your healthcare provider the potential impact of hormonal birth control on your partner preferences if you're contemplating starting or stopping it. This conversation can help you make informed decisions about your birth control options and understand how they might affect your relationship dynamics. For instance, if you notice a change in the type of people you're attracted to after discontinuing birth control, this could be an interesting point of discussion with your provider.
- Engage i ...
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Woman's Insights on/Off Hormonal Birth Control
Sarah Hill shares her personal experiences and professional insights regarding the often-underrecognized psychological and behavioral changes associated with hormonal birth control pills.
Unaware of Psychological and Behavioral Changes Related To Birth Control Pills
For over a decade, Sarah Hill was on hormonal birth control without being fully aware of its impact on her brain and behavior.
Post-Birth Control: Revived Sexual Desire, Mood, Energy, and Vitality
Only after she stopped taking the hormonal birth control did Hill notice profound changes in herself. She experienced what felt like an awakening, with a revival in her sexual desire, mood, energy levels, and overall vitality. This dramatic shift in her psychological state prompted further investigation.
Motivation to Study and Share Hormonal Contraception's Impacts on Women
She realized that the hormones one ingests can significantly constitute one's identity. Hill wishes she had been told how taking the birth control pill could change who she is, impacting not just her sexual desires and attractions but also her emotional state, moods, ability to cope with stress, sexual function, potential for muscle development, as well as nut ...
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Woman's Insights on/Off Hormonal Birth Control
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Sarah Hill's personal experience is valid, it is important to note that individual responses to hormonal birth control can vary widely, and not all women will experience the same psychological and behavioral changes.
- The scientific community requires rigorous research to establish causal relationships, and personal anecdotes, while valuable, do not constitute scientific evidence.
- There are numerous factors that can influence sexual desire, mood, energy levels, and vitality, and it may be an oversimplification to attribute all such changes to the cessation of hormonal birth control without considering other variables.
- Hormonal birth control has been a critical tool for reproductive autonomy and has had a positive impact on the lives of many women, enabling them to control their fertility and, by extension, aspects of their lives and health.
- The benefits of hormonal birth control, such as reduced risk of certain cancers, treatment for endometriosis, and regulation of menstrual cycles, should also be acknowledged when discussing its impacts.
- It's important to balance discussions of side effects with the recognition that hormonal birth control is an effective and life-changing medical intervention for many individuals.
- Some studies suggest that the effects of hormonal birth control on mood and libido are not as signi ...
Actionables
- You can track your personal health indicators before and after changing any medication, including birth control, to observe potential changes. Start a journal or use a health tracking app to record daily levels of mood, energy, and other well-being metrics. Over time, you'll have a personal dataset that can help you identify patterns or shifts that may correlate with medication changes.
- Create a peer support group to discuss and compare experiences with hormonal birth control. This can be done through social media platforms or local community boards. Sharing stories and insights can provide a broader understanding of how hormonal birth control affects different individuals, fostering a supportive environment for personal discovery and decision-making.
- Engage in a self-guided research project t ...
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Understanding Hormonal Birth Control's Impact on Women: Importance and Implications
The implications of hormonal birth control on women's sexual desire, attraction, and possibly their partner and relationship satisfaction are significant, according to Sarah Hill and Steven Bartlett. These changes raise concerns about the broader effects on relationships and physiology.
Hormonal Birth Control May Alter a Woman's Libido, Attraction, and Sexual Orientation
Various observations suggest that hormonal birth control could be impacting women’s lives and relationships in ways that are not often openly discussed.
Risks to Women's Relationships if Partner Preferences Shift After Changing Birth Control, Especially With Less Physically Attractive Partners
After discontinuing hormonal birth control, Hill noticed an increase in her sexual interest, leading her to investigate its broader effects. Hill explains that the birth control pill operates by suppressing ovulation through a combination of hormones or a single hormone that tells the brain not to stimulate the ovaries. Synthetic progesterone, or progestin, keeps estrogen levels low and, in effect, flatlines a woman's natural hormone production with a constant influx of synthetic hormones. Consequently, this can alter a woman’s sexual psychology by turning off the natural estrogen surge that is associated with increased sexual interest and a heightened preference for [restricted term] markers in mates.
Sarah Hill's research discovered that birth control can subtly shift women's mate preferences, often leading to increased attraction to their partner when they come off the pill compared to when they were on it. This shift has the potential to affect relationship dynamics, particularly if a woman's partner was chosen while she was on birth control. Moreover, Steven Bartlett expresses concern about the issues that might arise if a woman finds her partner less attractive after discontinuing the pill.
A study monitoring married couples revealed that if a woman discontinues the pill, the level of attraction and sexual satisfaction towards her partner can change. Specifically, women with traditionally attractive partners felt more attracted and sexually satisfied after stopping the birth control, yet those with less attractive partners experienced the opposite. It is noted, h ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Understanding Hormonal Birth Control's Impact on Women: Importance and Implications
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Hormonal birth control alters women's sexual psychology by suppressing ovulation through synthetic hormones, disrupting natural hormone production. This suppression can impact a woman's sexual interest and preference for certain traits in partners. The absence of the natural estrogen surge, associated with heightened sexual interest, can influence mate preferences. These changes may lead to shifts in attraction levels towards partners, potentially affecting relationship dynamics.
- Hormonal birth control can affect men indirectly by potentially lowering their [restricted term] levels. This can occur through the suppression of estrogen in women using hormonal contraceptives, which may impact men's [restricted term] levels. Research suggests a possible link between the widespread use of hormonal birth control and the decrease in men's [restricted term] levels over time. Additionally, men in long-term relationships, especially those actively involved in childcare, may experience further decreases in [restricted term] levels.
- The term "[restricted term] crisis" is used to describe the observed decline in [restricted term] levels in men over the past few decades. This decline in [restricted term] levels has been a topic of concern in the scientific community due to its potential impact on men's health and well-being. Researchers have linked this decrease in [restricted term] to various factors, including lifestyle changes, environmental influences, and possibly the widespread use of hormonal birth control affecting estrogen levels in the population. The implications of this decline in [restricted term] levels may include effects on men's physical health, fertility, sexual functio ...
Counterarguments
- Hormonal birth control's impact on libido and attraction is complex and can vary greatly among individuals; not all women experience significant changes in sexual desire or partner preference.
- The relationship between hormonal birth control and sexual orientation is not well-established, and suggesting a direct link may be an oversimplification of the multifaceted nature of sexual orientation.
- The idea that hormonal birth control can lead to a shift in mate preference upon discontinuation is not universally supported; some studies suggest that any observed changes in partner preference or satisfaction are minimal or non-existent.
- The assertion that hormonal birth control may lower men's [restricted term] levels indirectly through estrogen suppression or caregiving behaviors is speculative and requires more robust scientific evidence to establish causation.
- The concept of a "[restricted term] crisis" is debated among scientists, and attributing declining [restricted term] levels solely to the effects of women's use of hormonal birth control overlooks other potential contributing factors such as lifestyle, environmental toxins, and overall health.
- The impact of hormonal birth control on relationship dynamics is a complex issue that involves psychological, ...
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