How Can a Single Pill Do All That?

Question: How Can a Single Pill Do All That?

Answer:

It all comes down to hormones (and some biological trickery). The Pill contains two key hormones that are normally produced by a female's body. When her body “sees” the hormones in her blood stream, it “decides” that it doesn’t need to produce them. Since the pill has a relatively stable dose every day, the levels in the female's blood do not change. It is the changes in hormone levels that are essential for ovulation to occur. Depending on the hormonal method, it will either include both hormones - synthetic estrogen and progestin or it will only contain progestin.

Typically, combination methods (using both hormones) tend to be more effective; however, estrogen can be the cause of several serious health risks. Even so, the American Family Physician's most recent update on oral contraceptives advises that “oral contraceptive pills are widely used and are generally safe and effective for many women…By choosing appropriately from the available pill formulations, family physicians can minimize negative side effects”.

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