The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device potentiates stress reactivity

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Jurate Aleknaviciute, Joke H M Tulen , Yolanda B De Rijke , Christian G Bouwkamp, Mark van der Kroeg, Mirjam Timmermans , Vincent L Wester , Veerle Bergink, Witte J G Hoogendijk, Henning Tiemeier , Elisabeth F C van Rossum , Cornelis G Kooiman , Steven A Kushner 

Psychoneuroendocrinology - June 2017

February 28, 2017 - Published

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is currently recommended as a first-line contraceptive with an exclusively local intrauterine influence. However, recent clinical trials have identified side effects of LNG-IUD that appear to be systemically mediated, including depressed mood and emotional liability.

Excerpts from Abstract

Methods:
We performed two experimental studies and a cross-sectional study. For each study, women were included from three groups: LNG-IUD (0.02mg/24h), oral ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (0.03mg/0.15mg; EE30/LNG) and natural cycling (NC)…….

……….Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that LNG-IUD contraception induces a centrally-mediated sensitization of both autonomic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity. LNG-IUD sensitization of HPA axis responsivity was observed acutely under standardized laboratory conditions, as well as chronically under naturalistic conditions.

Keywords:
Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Affective disorders; Autonomic nervous system; Cortisol; Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis; Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device; Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

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Psycho­neuro­endocrinology

The Official Journal of the
International Society of Psycho­neuro­endocrinology

Psychoneuroendocrinology publishes papers dealing with the interrelated disciplines of psychology, neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology, neurology, and psychiatry, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary studies aiming at integrating these disciplines in terms of either basic research or clinical implications.