Question

physiological mechanism of oral contraceptives.

Answer 1

Oral contraceptives work by suppressing the release of gonadotropins so that follicular development and ovulation is prevented.

Oral contraceptive pills are synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. They work to maintain a constant hormone level. Normally, in a menstrual cycle, the female hormone levels surge as the ovarian follicles mature and the ovum is released. Without a peak in estrogen, the ovary does not get the signal to release the mature egg. Also, the pill helps to thicken the cervical mucous so that the sperm cannot reach the oviduct.

So, preventing ovulation by hampering the female hormone levels is the main physiological action by which oral contraceptives work. Thickening of the cervix also blocks the passage of the sperms to the oviduct.