Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark Your Brain on Birth Control ... and PMS | Sarah Hill, PhD
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Nov 14, 2025 
Dr. Sarah Hill, an award-winning researcher and author focusing on hormones and sexual behavior, dives into the surprising effects of hormonal birth control on women's moods, desires, and even partner preferences. She discusses how natural hormonal rhythms differ between men and women, shedding light on PMS misconceptions and the environmental factors at play. Hill also emphasizes the need for cycle-aware health approaches and shares insights on how men can better understand women's cyclical needs.
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Birth Control Nudges Attraction Priorities
- Hormonal birth control flattens cyclical estrogen peaks, shifting attraction priorities away from masculine cues.
- That shift can nudge partner preference toward investment traits over sexual masculinity.
Partner Choice Timing Affects Attraction
- A survey of cycling women found partner-choice timing affected sexual behavior and attraction later.
- About 30% said they felt less attracted to their partner after going off the pill, 30% more, and 40% no change.
Chart Symptoms And Boost Resilience
- If your pre-period mood is disabling, chart symptoms for two months and seek help for possible PMDD.
- Increase resilience via sleep, sunlight, social connection, anti-inflammatory diet, and stress reduction.
