Question

Contraceptive pills bring about contraception by suppressing

• A. FSH
• B. LH
• C. FSH and LH
• D. Estrogen and progesterone

Answer 1

The correct option is C

FSH and LH

The primary mechanism of action of hormonal contraceptives is that they suppress the secretion of gonadotropins (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH and luteinizing hormone, LH). The contraceptive pills contain both progesterone and estrogen and the lower levels of estrogen in birth control pills suppress FSH and LH, "fooling" the pituitary gland into thinking a woman is pregnant. Ovulation will then not occur, which prevents pregnancy.