Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

womenshealth

Graduate Level Research

no

Abstract

Background:

Hormonal birth control is the most common form of reversible contraception. In the U.S., pharmacy data show oral contraceptive pill prescriptions declined 25.6% from March 2021 to October 2023. Meanwhile, patients increasingly seek health information on social media. On TikTok, “hormone hacking” content has surged, often portraying birth control as artificial, harmful, or even carcinogenic, despite a lack of supporting evidence. While accessible information on social media can be valuable, such narratives risk spreading misinformation, fueling mistrust in women’s health.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative content analysis of 50 TikTok videos (March and September 2025) under #birthcontrol, #hormonehealth, #birthcontroltoxicity, and #naturalbirthcontrol. Eligible videos had >10,000 views and discussed hormonal birth control, including oral and long-acting reversible contraception. Videos were coded for influencer type, credentials, advice, evidence, accuracy, gender targeting, tone, and call-to-action.

Results:

Most videos referenced oral or long-acting reversible contraception. Preliminary patterns reveal frequent negative framing and unsupported claims. Content was polarized, portraying birth control as overwhelmingly negative or positive. Common adverse claims included that contraception causes dysphoria, brain fog, “unnatural” hormone exposure, and that it is “handed out like supplements”. Several videos framed the discourse as propaganda against “natural” health. Comment sections mirrored this polarization, amplifying distrust or support.

Conclusion:

Much TikTok discourse surrounding hormonal contraception is harmful and often inaccurate. As patients rely on social media, providers must recognize and counter misinformation, ensuring access to evidence-based care. Physician presence online and public health interventions may improve reproductive health literacy and trust.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Patient Safety | Public Health Education and Promotion | Women's Health

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