Appearance Over Function - The Impact of Long-Term Oral Contraceptive Use on Brain Development, Breast Tissue Composition, and Future Lactation Outcomes

<p>This integrative review examines the long-term effects of combined oral contraceptive (COC) use beginning in puberty on brain development, breast tissue composition, and future breastfeeding outcomes. Puberty is a critical developmental stage during which hormonal changes significantly impact the neurological and reproductive systems. The introduction of synthetic estrogen and progestin through COC use during this time may disrupt natural hormonal pathways, potentially altering neuroendocrine signaling and breast tissue maturation. Such changes may have lasting consequences, including impaired milk production, a weakened milk ejection reflex, disrupted maternal-infant bonding, and reduced overall breastfeeding success. The review synthesizes findings from endocrinology, neuroscience, and lactation science to suggest that early, prolonged COC use may interfere with the biological processes essential for lactation. These findings further highlight the importance of individualized care, encouraging medical providers to carefully evaluate whether COCs are appropriate for each patient, especially adolescents, and to consider alternative contraceptive methods that may pose fewer long-term developmental risks.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis- Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Lactation Studies

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Wang, Fiona M

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mary Miller
• Linda Smith

• Combined oral contraceptives
• Adolescence
• Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis
• Gonadotropins
• Brain development
• Lactation outcomes
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Endocrine System
• Maternal and Child Health
• Women's Health

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/939

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-2007