Human Research Coordination

The purpose of this study is to directly measure blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system activity (fight or flight response) in hormonal IUD users. Other forms of birth control, like oral contraceptive pills, have been shown to increase blood pressure. This study aims to determine if hormonal IUD use increases blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system activity. This is important because no one has investigated the impacts of hormonal IUD use on autonomic function and blood pressure regulation. With this information, we can better understand disease risk and better determine optimal time frames for treating high blood pressure in women.

We are recruiting healthy premenopausal woman between the ages of 18-49 years. Women can be naturally cycling (no forms of hormonal birth control) or using a Levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta).

Exclusion critera:
• You are pregnant, are planning on becoming pregnant or are breast feeding;
• You have a diagnosis of PCOS or endometriosis;
• You had a hysterectomy or endometrial ablation;
• You are using any form of birth control other than Levonorgestrel releasing IUDs (i.e. oral contraceptive pills, copper IUD, Depo-Provera, Nexplanon);
• You have a history of cardiac disease, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, cancer, liver disease, diabetes, or neurological disease;
• You use antidepressant drugs or drugs with known effects on brain function (SSRI/SNRIs, stimulants)
• You have been diagnosed by a physician with
hypertension, or are using anti-hypertensive medications;
• You have a body mass index less than 18 or greater than 35;
• You use tobacco products

If you are interested in participating, please email Ally Schwab (allyschw@udel.edu) for more details!