Combined Oral Contraceptive Use and Binge Eating - Report - MDSpire

Combined Oral Contraceptive Use and Binge Eating

  • By

  • Kelly L. Klump

  • Alaina M. Di Dio

  • Carolina Anaya

  • Megan E. Mikhail

  • S. Alexandra Burt

  • Cheryl L. Sisk

  • Pamela K. Keel

  • Debra K. Katzman

  • Michael Neale

  • Lindsay S. Ackerman

  • Shaunna L. Clark

  • Kristen M. Culbert

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Relationship Between Binge Eating and Combined Oral Contraceptives

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between binge eating (BE) and the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in women.

Background

Binge eating is a prevalent eating disorder that significantly affects women's health, often leading to comorbid conditions such as depression and increased medical complications. Understanding the etiology of binge eating is crucial for identifying risk factors and improving treatment strategies. The role of ovarian hormones in influencing binge eating behavior has been established in various studies.

Data Highlights

This study examined changes in binge eating across active-to-inactive pills over 49 consecutive days in a large, population-based sample of women using monophasic COCs.

Key Findings

  • Binge eating is characterized by the consumption of large amounts of food with a loss of control.
  • Postovulatory increases in food intake and emotional eating are linked to higher levels of estrogen and progesterone.
  • Animal studies indicate that high levels of both estradiol and progesterone increase food intake.
  • Combined oral contraceptives mimic the hormonal environment of the postovulatory phase.
  • There is a lack of human studies examining the effects of exogenous hormones on binge eating.

Clinical Implications

Further research is necessary to clarify the relationship between hormonal contraceptives and eating disorders.

Conclusion

Further investigation into the effects of combined oral contraceptives on binge eating is warranted.

Related Resources & Content

  1. American Psychiatric Association, Psychiatry.org, 2025 -- Eating Disorders
  2. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Risk of Liver Cancer With Oral Contraceptive Use
  3. Conexiant -- The Hidden Differences Between Oral Contraceptives
  4. The ASCO Post, 2020 -- Study Clarifies Time-Dependent Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Risk of Ovarian, Endometrial, and Breast Cancers
  5. Obesity Surgery — Evaluation of Contraceptive Guidance and Usage Among Women Post-Bariatric Surgery
  6. World Psychiatry Review, 2025 -- Evidence on Hormonal Contraception and Mental Health
  7. Psychiatry.org - Eating Disorders
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Original Source(s)

Combined Oral Contraceptive Use and Binge Eating

  • by Kelly L. Klump, Alaina M. Di Dio, Carolina Anaya, Megan E. Mikhail, S. Alexandra Burt, Cheryl L. Sisk, Pamela K. Keel, Debra K. Katzman, Michael Neale, Lindsay S. Ackerman, Shaunna L. Clark, Kristen M. Culbert

  • June 17, 2026

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