Understanding_The_Hormones_in_your_body

UNDERSTANDING THE HORMONES IN YOUR BODY

NATURAL HORMONES

Hormones affect every woman in different ways, and we all have them. We don't often directly feel the influence they have on our bodies, but sometimes we do – most notably during puberty when the sex hormones are produced in larger amounts. These hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, enable and influence the menstrual cycle.

Hormones and The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle or period is a natural process and is roughly around 28 days. It is regulated by hormones in your body which rise and fall throughout your cycle. Here's a brief look at what these hormones do during your period.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Oestrogen

At the beginning of your cycle your brain produces a hormone called FSH which causes the ovary to produce an egg. This process also results in the production of another hormone, oestrogen, which thickens the lining of your womb so that it can support the egg in case of a pregnancy.  

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

As the egg develops in the ovaries, oestrogen levels will continue to rise. When they are high enough, the brain produces the hormone LH
which causes the egg to be released from your ovary. This is known as ovulation. When the egg is released it travels down your fallopian tube to get to your womb.

Progesterone

After ovulation, your body will produce another hormone called progesterone which works with oestrogen to prepare your womb in case an egg is fertilised. If the egg is not fertilised the levels of this hormone drop, and this leads to the loss of the lining of your womb which has been building up. This is the first day of your period.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

Learn more about methods of contraception that may suit you and your lifestyle here::

The Hormonal Coil

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 - 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

The Copper Coil

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It is available with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 - 10 years.

View Method

The Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

The Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

The
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 3 to 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. it is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Contraceptive_Implant_CompareMethods

THE
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

COCPs are tablets that may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormone progestogen and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. 

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

THE
Patch

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

The_Patch_CompareMethods

THE
Diaphragm

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Your doctor or nurse will normally conduct an initial fitting to make sure you have the correct size.

Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

THE
Ring

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Ring_CompareMethods

THE
Female Condom

An internal condom placed in the vagina that stops sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Female_Condom_Contraception

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Male_Condom_ShortActing

THE
Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone and so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these..

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning - Compare Methods

SPERMICIDE

Spermicides are Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal - Contraception Method

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot travel down the tubes to meet the sperm. 

Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method
COMPARE METHODS

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© Bayer Limited. All rights reserved

Date of last update: 29/08/2023

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in Ireland.

Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information only and for Irish audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice.

If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. treating physician or pharmacist), Health Products Regulatory Authority, or go to the “Contact Us” menu at www.bayer.ie

The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer Ltd.

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