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What the Hormone?

    Reproductive hormones are naturally occurring chemical messengers in the form of steroids that are produced by the male or female gonads, which are the testes and ovaries respectively. The main reproductive hormones are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. These hormones play a fundamental role in how a person experiences puberty, menstruation, menopause, fertility, and sexual desire. 
    When someone hears the word "hormone" they might be thinking of something radical like taking "roids" or performance enhancers. But these molecules are naturally occurring and provide a single source for a multitude of biological pathways that dictate who we are and how we function. 
    Steroids are small molecules in comparison to large complex proteins made by the body. It is very hydrophobic, meaning it is not "water-loving". This adds to the properties and function of these molecules as they can passively cross the cells hydrophobic membrane to reach its receptors. Passive simply means it doesn't require a specialized transport protein or channel to move it across the membrane which often requires energy. This allows the readily diffusion of reproductive hormones across the body, allowing it to effectively and efficiently reach its targets.
    When a woman takes any form of hormonal contraceptive, these synthetic hormones are absorbed and distributed in the bloodstream, effectively tricking the body into thinking its pregnant. How does this stop ovulation? Well it's a little more in depth than that. High levels of natural hormones stops the body from further producing these same hormones. This inhibits follicular development which is the egg produced for fertilization. This is specifically achieved by the inhibition of pituitary production for both the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). It take 7 days of uninterrupted daily use of combined contraceptives for follicular development suppression. These two hormones combined manage numerous signaling pathways in the body which is why it's so important to understand what you're introducing to you body and why it might be a complicated period for yours or your partners body. 

For more information, visit this research article below on the mechanism of action for hormonal contraceptives and let us know if you learned something new
    
    (1) Rivera, R., Yacobson, I., & Grimes, D. (1999). The mechanism of action of hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine contraceptive devices. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 181(5),, 1263-1269. Link

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