Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives work by preventing ovulation. They are safe and effective birth control methods when used consistently and correctly. Most hormonal contraceptives have these characteristics:

Contain either or both of the hormones progestin and estrogen
Reversible
Can be used long-term
May decrease cramping and bleeding during periods
Protect against cancer of the ovaries and the endometrium
May cause nausea, spotting, and headaches
Women who are 35 years or older and smoke or those who have certain health conditions are not good candidates for hormonal methods

Hormonal contraceptive options include:

Pills. Birth control pills typically come in packs to help you remember what to take and when. Most are designed to create a monthly period, but options also exist that allow you to have fewer periods (for example, four times a year instead of monthly). Some monthly packs have 21 pills with hormones and seven without. Other monthly packs have 21 pills, and then no pills are taken for seven days. Pills are typically a combination of estrogen and progestin. Some pills only contain progestin for women who cannot take estrogen.

Patch. The contraceptive patch delivers a combination of estrogen and progestin through your skin. It can be worn on your upper arm, upper back, torso, or buttocks, and it can be concealed by clothing. You apply one patch each week for three weeks and take a break from the patch during the week that you get your period.

Vaginal ring. This is a small, flexible ring that contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. You insert the ring into your vagina and leave it for 21 days. At the end of the three weeks, you take a seven day break and then insert a new ring.

Injection. The contraceptive injection contains progestin and is given every three months.

This page was last reviewed Friday, November 19, 2010