Podcast Summary: Habits and Hustle Episode 449: Dr. Sarah Hill: How Birth Control Changes Your Brain, Dating Choices, and Evolutionary Psychology Release Date: May 13, 2025
Hosted by Jen Cohen and Habit Nest, "Habits and Hustle" delves into the intricate interplay between habits, hustle, and personal fulfillment. In Episode 449, Jen Cohen is joined by Dr. Sarah Hill, an evolutionary psychologist and author, to explore the profound effects of hormonal birth control on the brain, behavior, and mate selection.
1. Introduction to Evolutionary Psychology
[00:06 - 03:15]
Jen Cohen opens the episode by introducing Dr. Sarah Hill and her expertise in evolutionary psychology. Dr. Hill explains her focus on understanding human behavior and motivation through the lens of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"I'm a psychologist and the thing I'm really interested in is trying to study behavior and motivation... I use the tools from evolutionary theory to make new predictions about why people do the things that they do..."
[02:46]
2. Birth Control and Personal Awakening
[03:15 - 05:34]
Dr. Hill shares her personal journey off hormonal birth control, describing a significant transformation in her perception and emotional state. This personal experience led her to research the long-overlooked impacts of the birth control pill on women's brains.
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"When I went off of it, I felt like I woke up... It was like an awakening in a lot of ways."
[74:13]
3. Changing Public Discourse on Hormones
[05:34 - 07:29]
Jen and Dr. Hill discuss the recent surge in conversations around hormones and birth control, attributing it to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, increased health awareness, and a more informed younger generation challenging long-standing medical practices.
Jen Cohen:
"I think the pandemic made us all look inward just in terms of our health and trying to understand our bodies."
[05:52]
4. How Hormonal Birth Control Alters the Female Hormonal Cycle
[07:29 - 12:40]
Dr. Hill provides an in-depth explanation of the natural hormonal cycle in women versus the state induced by hormonal birth control. She outlines how the pill maintains a constant level of synthetic progesterone and low estrogen, disrupting the natural fluctuations that influence mood, sexual desire, and energy levels.
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"When you take the pill, it tells your brain, do not stimulate your ovaries... it creates a state characterized by relatively low levels of sexual desire, low energy levels, more sleepiness, and a greater risk of depression."
[12:40]
5. Impact on Mate Choice and Relationship Dynamics
[12:40 - 35:41]
The conversation shifts to how hormonal birth control affects women's mate preferences. Dr. Hill explains that naturally cycling women experience heightened sexual desire and preference for genetically compatible partners during high estrogen phases. In contrast, women on the pill may prioritize stability and non-sexual traits, potentially leading to different relationship outcomes.
Tony Robbins:
"Women who choose partners while on the pill are less likely to get divorced, but when they do, they are overwhelmingly the ones who initiate it."
[16:13]
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"It's like you choose a partner without... with that little mask on... and then you pull off the goggles."
[17:48]
6. Effects on Men’s Attraction and Societal Implications
[35:41 - 54:43]
Dr. Hill discusses how men's attractions are influenced by women's hormonal states and how birth control alters this dynamic. She highlights studies showing men’s preferences for naturally cycling women and the broader societal shifts, including delayed marriage and the rise of older men dating younger women. The episode also touches on the competitive nature of dating and the psychological impacts on both genders.
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"Men are more attracted to women when they're naturally cycling, particularly when they're at a high estrogen part in their cycle."
[18:27]
Tony Robbins:
"There's an element of competition... especially when talking about mate-related things, one of the primary areas in which women compete is attractiveness."
[54:52]
7. Mental Health Implications of Hormonal Birth Control
[66:37 - 75:17]
The discussion delves into the mental health risks associated with hormonal birth control, especially for young women. Dr. Hill cites research linking hormonal contraception to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and altered stress responses. She emphasizes the importance of monitoring mental health when using these contraceptives.
Tony Robbins:
"Women 19 and younger... the risk of developing a major depressive disorder and the risk of suicide... are significantly greater for teens who use hormonal birth control compared to those who do not."
[68:24]
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"Having somebody know that you're going on it so they can keep an eye on you is incredibly important."
[68:30]
8. Alternatives to Hormonal Birth Control
[73:13 - 75:12]
Jen and Dr. Hill explore non-hormonal contraceptive options, advocating for alternatives like the copper IUD to avoid the negative hormonal impacts. They discuss the limitations and considerations of available methods, stressing the need for more choices in contraceptive options.
Tony Robbins:
"As far as I'm concerned, doing something, especially with a teenager that's non-hormonal is going to be the way to go. Yeah, Copper IUD is a good one."
[73:59]
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"Birth control pill is evil and all this. Instead, it's, we need more options."
[75:03]
9. Personal Stories and Relationship Dynamics Post-Birth Control
[35:41 - 78:49]
The latter part of the episode shifts to more personal anecdotes, with Dr. Hill sharing her experiences with divorce and remarriage. She discusses the emotional and social challenges faced during these transitions and the impact on her understanding of relationships and hormonal influences.
Tony Robbins:
"People are naturally catty... when we're talking about mate-related things, one of the primary areas in which women compete is attractiveness."
[54:37]
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"I have a lot of guy friends who are in their midlife... never been married, never have a serious girlfriend."
[38:15]
10. Closing Remarks and Further Resources
[78:14 - End]
Jen and Dr. Hill wrap up the discussion by directing listeners to Dr. Hill's website and her books, encouraging further exploration of the topics covered.
Dr. Sarah Hill:
"You can find me on all social platforms. My website is saraehill.com and my book, 'This Is Your Brain on Birth Control,' is sold everywhere..."
[78:21]
Notable Quotes
-
"When you take the pill, it tells your brain, do not stimulate your ovaries... it creates a state characterized by relatively low levels of sexual desire, low energy levels, more sleepiness, and a greater risk of depression."
[12:40] -
"Women who choose partners while on the pill are less likely to get divorced, but when they do, they are overwhelmingly the ones who initiate it."
[16:13] -
"Men are more attracted to women when they're naturally cycling, particularly when they're at a high estrogen part in their cycle."
[18:27] -
"Women 19 and younger... the risk of developing a major depressive disorder and the risk of suicide... are significantly greater for teens who use hormonal birth control compared to those who do not."
[68:24] -
"We need more options... because the fact is, especially for young girls whose brains are developing and are very sensitive to hormones, like, we don't have a lot of good options."
[73:59]
Conclusion
In this enlightening episode of "Habits and Hustle," Dr. Sarah Hill unpacks the multifaceted impacts of hormonal birth control on women's mental health, sexual desire, and mate selection. The conversation underscores the importance of informed choices regarding contraceptives and advocates for expanding the available options to better support women's health and well-being.
Listeners are encouraged to further engage with Dr. Hill's work through her website and publications to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between hormones and personal identity.