Hormonal contraception ranks among the most reliable methods of pregnancy prevention available. It works by directly interfering with the natural hormonal cycle, preventing eggs from being released from the ovaries or implanted in the uterine lining. The primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting ovulation through the effects of progesterone, often combined with oestrogen.
There are various ways to deliver these hormones into the body, with oral tablets being the most common. Other methods include implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or patches. These altered hormone levels not only reduce the likelihood of pregnancy but also influence a woman’s behaviour.
What Does a Natural Monthly Cycle Look Like?
Despite individual variations caused by lifestyle, genetics, or stress, hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s body typically follow a roughly 28-day cycle.
Throughout this cycle, changing hormone levels prepare the female body for reproduction. This process isn’t limited to the maturation of the egg alone. Hormones like oestrogen and testosterone (also present in women) increase libido before ovulation, the phase when conception is most likely.
Hormones and Their Role in Partner Selection
Every monthly cycle brings a new opportunity for conception. Nature has preserved its original programming: during the peak fertility phase, a woman’s brain is wired to seek out a suitable partner. Conversely, in the luteal phase, when fertility is lower, the drive to find a partner is effectively “switched off.”
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In their most fertile days, women tend to subconsciously prefer partners with traits that indicate strong genetic compatibility. Research identifies several factors that influence this preference [1 – 3]:
- Masculine facial features reflecting higher testosterone levels
- Facial symmetry
- Natural scent linked to genetic differences in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
MHC genes play a vital role in immune system functioning, helping the body recognise pathogens and distinguish them from its own cells. Choosing a partner with vastly different MHC genes can ensure offspring inherit a diverse gene pool, improving their immune defences against diseases.
The search for a partner operates both ways during the monthly cycle, as men also pick up on cues indicating that a woman is ready for pregnancy. Women’s attractiveness peaks during their most fertile days, with notable signals including their scent and voice. Additionally, women’s overall behaviour during these fertile days tends to become more provocative [4 – 5].
Preferences Change During Pregnancy
The phase that occurs in the second half of the hormonal cycle alters women’s preferences as well as their attractiveness. With fertility in decline during this period, the natural drive to seek out a suitable partner diminishes. The “radar” that was previously active—picking up on traits like facial features, symmetry, and scent—weakens during this stage of the cycle.
In the event of conception, a woman’s preferences shift from seeking an “alpha male” to finding a partner who is better suited to providing support during pregnancy and child-rearing. Since there is no longer a need to seek a new partner for reproduction, this change in preferences extends to strengthening relationships with family members—such as siblings and parents—who become important contributors to raising the child.
How do we know? Genetic preferences reverse entirely. Pregnant women begin favouring individuals with MHC genes similar to their own—like those of family members. Traits such as scent, facial symmetry, and masculinity become less relevant [3].
Disrupting the Natural Cycle Alters Woman’s Preferences
Using hormonal contraception disrupts the natural cycle, causing hormone levels to stabilise at a constant level. As contraception prevents the release and implantation of an egg, hormone levels mimic those of pregnancy.
In this hormonal state, a woman’s preferences shift, leading her to seek partners similarly to how she would during pregnancy. Her focus on sexual compatibility decreases, and she subconsciously downplays her natural inclination toward men who might be more biologically suitable partners. Additionally, the way men perceive her attractiveness also changes [1 – 5].
After stopping contraception, it’s possible that a woman may no longer find the partner she chose while using it attractive and may begin to feel drawn to different types of men.
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No Cause for Alarm
There’s no need to worry that using hormonal contraception automatically leads to choosing unsuitable partners or having poor relationships. While we can’t ignore the natural instincts that subconsciously guide us in assessing a partner’s attractiveness and compatibility, human relationships are far more complex. We don’t choose our partners solely based on appearance or scent but also on shared values, interests, and other distinctly human criteria.
That said, it’s possible for the effects of hormones to play a stronger role, and the use or discontinuation of contraception could influence how partners perceive each other.
Sources:
[1] David R. Feinberg; Lisa M. DeBruine; Benedict C. Jones; Anthony C. Little. (2008). Correlated preferences for men’s facial and vocal masculinity. – doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2007.1
[2] Gangestad, S. W.; Thornhill, R. . (1998). Menstrual cycle variation in women’s preferences for the scent of symmetrical men – doi:10.1098/rspb.1998.0380
[3] Wedekind, C.; Furi, S. . (1997). Body odour preferences in men and women: do they aim for specific MHC combinations or simply heterozygosity?-doi:10.1098/rspb.1997.0204
[4] R. Nathan Pipitone; Gordon G. Gallup Jr. (2008). Women’s voice attractiveness varies across the menstrual cycle – doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2008.0
[5] Kuukasjarvi, S.. (2004). Attractiveness of women’s body odors over the menstrual cycle: the role of oral contraceptives and receiver sex – doi:10.1093/beheco/arh050