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UNDERSTANDING THE HORMONES IN YOUR BODY

NATURAL HORMONES

Hormones affect every woman in different ways, and we all have them. Often we don't directly feel the influence they have on our bodies, but sometimes we do – most notably during puberty when the sex hormones are produced in larger amounts. These hormones, including estrogen and progestins, enable and influence the menstrual cycle.

HORMONES AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The menstrual cycle is a roughly 28-day process regulated by hormones that occur naturally in the body. Here's a brief overview of how it happens.

FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) AND ESTROGEN

At the beginning of your cycle a gland in your brain produces the FSH hormone, which stimulates a cluster of follicles (containing undeveloped eggs) to develop in your ovaries. These follicles release estrogen, a hormone that causes the lining of your womb to thicken.

LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH)

As one of the eggs develops in the ovaries, estrogen levels rise further. When they are high enough, the pituitary gland releases LH, which triggers ovulation. The follicle bursts, and the egg leaves the ovary to travel down the fallopian tubes.

PROGESTERONE

The burst follicle in the ovary then produces progesterone, which transforms the womb lining in order to receive a fertilised egg. If the egg is not fertilised, progesterone levels drop, and the lining of the womb is discharged in menstruation.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

Learn more about methods of contraception that may suit you and your lifestyle here:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that is specific to you and your lifestyle.

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours,
you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the
meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.

LEARN MORE

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 5 years. It is available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 or up to 10 years, depending on the type and availability in your country.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is available on prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered, orally, and needs to be taken at the same time each day. It is available on prescription.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

An injection containing hormone(s) that is available on prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 2 or every 3 months. 

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is available on prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered up to 24 hours before sex. It is available on prescription. 

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered and available on prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks. 

Image of an Injection

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. Female condoms reduce the risk of infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, when used correctly with every act of sex. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days. 

Natural Planning

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawl method

MALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilisation

FEMALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilisation
COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

Un­der­stand­ing Hor­mones in Con­tra­cep­tion

Un­der­stand­ing Hor­mones in Con­tra­cep­tion

Your Con­dom Broke

Your Con­dom Broke

Your Pe­riod is Late

Your Pe­riod is Late

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Date of last update: 19 January 2021

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