Question

The mechanism of action of progestogen which makes it a suitable contraceptive is:

• A. It inhibits the release of GnRH from anterior pituitary
• B. It controls the amount of menstrual bleeding
• C. It modifies the progesterone receptor on the uterus
• D. It inhibits the release of GnRH from hypothalamus

Answer 1

The correct option is D It inhibits the release of GnRH from hypothalamus

Progestogen is a synthetic version of the steroid hormone progesterone. Progestogen acts like progesterone and inhibits the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus.
GnRH refers to gonadotropin releasing hormone. It is released by the hypothalamus. It acts on the anterior pituitary and stimulates the secretion of LH and FSH.
Since progestogen inhibits the release of GnRH from the anterior pituitary, there is no release of LH and FSH and subsequently there is no development of follicles and ovulation.

Progestogen acts like progesterone. So, it doesn’t affect the progesterone receptors on the uterus.