DUA Lecture 8- Contraceptives and Hormonal Contraception

Hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle

Diagram depicting the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone levels during the follicular/proliferative and luteal/secretory phases of the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen and progesterone regulation

E and P act via negative feedback to regulate the reproductive axis, with a mid-cycle positive feedback inducing a rise in FSH and LH, leading to ovulation.

Hormonal contraception drugs

Medications altering hormone patterns and ovulation to prevent pregnancy, including ethinyl estradiol and various progestins.

Types of birth control

Barrier devices (e.g., condoms, diaphragms), IUDs, and hormonal contraceptives, each preventing pregnancy through different mechanisms.

Choosing contraceptives for patients

Selecting a contraceptive based on individual patient needs, considering factors such as side effects and efficacy.

Estrogen in hormonal contraception

Inhibits FSH & LH, preventing follicle growth, maturation, and ovulation.

Progestins in hormonal contraception

Inhibit FSH & LH, prevent follicle maturation, growth, and ovulation, and increase cervical mucus viscosity.

Administration of hormonal contraceptives

Various routes of administering hormonal contraceptives, offering flexibility in usage.

Emergency contraceptives

Medications taken within 5 days after intercourse to prevent conception.

Contraceptives' effect on acne

Can cause or treat acne, exhibiting both adverse and therapeutic effects on the skin condition.

Androgens

Steroid hormones, including testosterone, responsible for male reproductive development and other functions.

Hypothalamus

Brain region regulating hormone secretion, including the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

Contraception

Any device or drug used to prevent pregnancy, encompassing various methods such as barrier devices, IUDs, and hormonal contraceptives.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone stimulating ovulation and the production of estrogen and progesterone.

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus, influenced by estrogen and progesterone to support embryo implantation.

Estrogens

Steroid hormones, including estradiol, crucial for female reproductive function and other physiological processes.

Menstrual cycle

Cyclical changes in the female reproductive system, involving follicle maturation, ovulation, and uterine lining shedding.

Follicle

Structure containing the developing egg in the ovary, responsive to hormones like estrogen and FSH for growth and maturation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Hormone stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles and the production of estrogen.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Hormone from the hypothalamus, stimulating the pituitary to release LH and FSH.

Pituitary gland

Endocrine gland secreting LH and FSH, crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive function.

Progestins

Synthetic analogs of progesterone, used in hormonal contraception and differing in side effects.

Drugs used in hormonal contraception

Medications such as drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, and ulipristal.

Estrogens (estradiol) effects

increases uterine wall thickness, mildly promotes blood clotting, and helps maintain bone density

Progesterone effects

maintains the endometrium, increases viscosity of cervical mucus, and decreases sperm entry into uterus