Comparing Subjective Stress Reactivity in OC Users and Hormonal IUD Users while Considering Neuroticism

Abstract

Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) have previously been found to influence physiological stress responses. However, the relationship between HCs and subjective stress remains understudied. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the associations between subjective stress reactivity, hormonal contraceptive type (Oral Contraceptives [OCs] vs. hormonal Intrauterine Devices [IUDs]), and neuroticism in women following an acute stressor. Fourteen participants (Mage = 21.1, SDage = 1.1) completed the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST) and reported subjective stress levels across multiple phases during the experiment. Subjective stress reactivity was operationalized using the Area Under the Curve with respect to ground (AUCg) and increase (AUCi). ANOVA results showed no significant differences between OC and IUD users in AUCg or AUCi. However, a moderated regression analysis revealed that HC type significantly interacted with neuroticism (AUCg, B = 397.5, p = .030). Stratified analyses revealed that neuroticism was associated with higher total subjective stress in IUD users (p = .005), but not in OC users (p = .537). These findings highlight the interplay between personality traits and hormonal profiles in shaping subjective stress responses. Clinically, the results suggest that IUD users high in neuroticism may be at greater risk for stress-related disorders, emphasizing the need for personalized contraceptive counseling.