Hormone levels and the contraceptive pill

Faith

This is a question that has always bothered me, and I know I should know the answer. So, as we all probably know, a normal female hormonal cycle is like this:



But what happens when the contraceptive pill is taken? I know that it helps with premenstrual symptoms, but how exactly does it do that? I always imagined that the hormones levelled out, so to speak. But in the last few days of my pill in a packet, I notice I'm more prone to mood swings and general PMS symptoms. I generally dismiss it, but it's finally occurred to me to ask. To what extent does the pill regulate hormones? Should they be balanced and level throughout the month, or would women still be prone to PMS-like symptoms towards the end of a pack?

Faith

Nobody knows the answer?!

beardedmaster

Haven't a clue yet, but I'm doing Endocrine & Reproductive Physiology next year.. I'll let you know!

Tree

People seem to report different effects re:PMT depending on manufacturer. Not really sure of an answer, I know the mini-pill should simulate pregnancy with all the wonderful progesterone (and you dont take that with a break) and you take that constantly (and a lucky few get a period free time on it).

I think we'll have to find you a hormoneologist of some sort...

Tree

Oh, and there some be some sort of feedback damping, so raised progestorne tells your progesterone secreting bits that we're grand for now, and i think prog feeds back on oestrogen in some method too. You can tell I didnt really listen in endocrinology (and that class was mostly thyroid anyway)

Faith

It's a strange one. I've studied Reproductive Biology in a bit of depth and never came across an answer for that question.

ClimberC

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/pms.htm
doesnt exactly say what you are asking, but it gives info on different types of pills and there effect on PMS

Also pms is under diseases?? :cool:

boober27

does anybody know how many contraceptive pill brands are available in ireland ive tried 5or 6 types and being told there arent many more the names of them all would be really helpfull ive googled it but cant seem to find

ChemHickey

I have a question if you don't mind me posting. I would have asked it in school, but being an 18yr old boy, asking in a biology class about this stuff could come across "strangely".

So, as far as I know, the contraceptive pill prevents ovulation (release of egg). Since females are born with a certain amount of ova, would taking the contraceptive pill prolong the period before Menopause if taken over an elongated period of time, or would the biological rhythms of the body find a way to sort itself out?

It was one of the first things that came into my head when we did it in school last December, and I felt people would perceive me as being "creepy".


It's probably a very simple question or I may have understood the principle behind it wrong. But, when I saw the post, I thought of seizing the opportunity. :L

Firerainbow

I've studied basic female hormone cycles in college, but as far as I know, if you are taking the same amount of hormones each day, there should be no reason for mood swings/PMS symptoms like you said. I'm pretty sure it's the change in hormone levels that accounts for these symptoms.
I know some pills contain different amounts of hormones at different times during the cycle, to more closely simulate the body's natural changing hormone levels, perhaps you are taking this type of Pill?