Prevention of ovulation occurs via inhibition of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, through progesterone and estrogen providing negative feedback to the hypothalamus and inhibiting the production of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH typically promotes the release of LH and FSH from the pituitary. The presence of estrogen in CHCs results in downstream inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) which typically act at the ovarian level to induce ovulation and promote development of the follicle respectively. Progesterone also contributes to the contraceptive effect by making changes to the cervical mucus, endometrium and tubal motility.
Combined hormonal contraception
Long-acting reversible contraception
Male contraceptive
Heat-based contraception
Hormonal contraception
High-dose estrogen
Nonsteroidal estrogen
Antiprogestogen