Understanding the Science Behind Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormones, commonly referred to as the body’s chemical messengers, are vital for regulating various physiological and psychological functions. Produced by the endocrine glands, hormones travel through the bloodstream to target specific tissues or organs. They influence physical growth, metabolic processes, and overall maturation. Also, they are responsible for controlling the reproductive system, including pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and childbirth.

Have you ever wondered how a small pill, patch, or injection can have such a significant impact on the menstrual cycle and reproductive system? In this blog post, we’ll take you to the fascinating world of hormonal contraceptives, exploring their basics and working in detail. Also, we will discuss the types and benefits of these birth control methods. Stick with us!

What Are Hormonal Contraceptives?

Contraception, or birth control, is how individuals prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of birth control, including hormonal contraception. Hormonal contraceptives are a type of synthetic medications that use hormones to prevent pregnancy. For many people, hormonal contraceptives are a part of their daily routine.

Hormonal contraceptives are 99% effective when taken every day, exactly as prescribed. Unlike other birth control types, however, they don’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Individuals need to use additional protection along with the contraceptive to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

How do Hormonal Contraceptives Work?

When taken as prescribed, hormonal contraceptives are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The hormones in these contraceptives prevent pregnancy by blocking conception, a process of pregnancy that begins when sperm and an egg join together. Alao, contraceptives cause changes in the uterus so that it can’t support pregnancy while an individual is taking the pill.

Hormonal contraceptives can:

• Reduce or stop the release of an egg from an ovary.
• Thickens cervical mucus to create a barrier that prevents the sperm from entering the uterus.
• Thin uterus lining so that a fertilized egg can’t attach and grow there.

Forms of Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormone-based contraceptives are available in several forms. These include:

Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives are birth control pills that are consumed through the mouth. They contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. Oral contraceptives must be taken daily in order to prevent pregnancy.

Patch: Contraceptive patches also contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. But like their oral counterparts, patches are placed on the skin. Patches must be changed once a week in order to achieve the full effect.

Ring: As with pills and patches, contraceptive rings also release progestin and estrogen. Rings are worn inside the vagina to enable the vagnial lining to absorb the hormones. Rings need to be replaced once a month.

Birth Control Shot: These shots contain contain only the hormone progestin. They are administered every 12 weeks at the doctor’s office.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Intrauterine devices are small contraceptive devices that are inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They may come with or without hormones. IUDs, which are inserted into the uterus by a doctor, must be replaced every 3 to 10 years.

Implants: Contraceptive implants contain progestin that’s released through a thin rod into the arm. They are placed inside the skin and can last for up to 3 years.

Types of Hormonal Contraceptive Pills

Hormonal contraceptive pills consist of either the hormone progestin or both progestin and estrogen. These pills must be taken once every day in order to prevent pregnancy. These are three main types of birth control pills, including combination pills and progestin-only pills.

Combination Pills: These are the most common type of hormonal contraceptives. As their name implies, combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Estrogen and progestin prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Also, they make changes in the uterus and cervix that reduce the chances of getting pregnant. There’s less than a 1% chance of getting pregnant if these contraceptives are taken daily. Also, it’s easy to reverse their effect as the only thing women need to do is stop taking them.

Progestin-Only Pills: Also referred to as the “minipill,” progestin-only pills contain only progestin. These pills are usually recommended for people who are breastfeeding, experience nausea, or have other estrogen-related side effects. These pills work by thickening the cervical mucus to stop the sperm from reaching the egg. Also, the hormones in the pills change the uterus lining to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. If used as directed, these pills are about 95% effective.

Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives

Along with preventing pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives can have several other effects. These include:

• Changes in cervical mucus
• Lighter and shorter periods of menstrual cramps and premenstrual symptoms.
• Lower risk of endometrial, colorectal, and ovarian cancer
• Spotting between periods
• Can put individuals at risk of blood clots
• Changes in mood and depression
• Mild headaches
• Tiredness and lower body pain
• Nausea and menstrual pain

Who Makes Hormonal Contraceptives?

Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Mylan N.V., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Novartis AG are some of the leading manufacturers of hormonal contraceptives. These companies boast a diverse product portfolio, including patches, pills, implants, and injectables. They focus on strategic initiatives such as partnerships and robust distribution networks to boost their market presence. Here are some of the latest developments in the market:

• In September 2024, CVS Health announced that CVS pharmacy locations in Massachusetts will provide hormonal contraceptive prescribing services. With these new services, CVS pharmacists will evaluate patients who want to get a birth control prescription. The prescription will be given to clinically eligible patients.
• In November 2023, Bayer introduced a new digital platform that aims at providing personalized contraceptive information and resources. The introduction of the platform marks a significant step towards the integration of technology with reproductive health management.

End Note and Conclusion

To conclude, hormonal contraceptives are birth control methods that act on the endocrine system. They are safe and work for most people. Along with preventing pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives can help prevent anemia, reduce hot flashes during the menopause transition, lower the risk of ovarian cancer, and stop unwanted hair growth.