UNDERSTANDING HORMONES IN CONTRACEPTION
CHECK THE DIFFERENCE:
HORMONE-FREE OR WITH HORMONES
There are birth control methods with and without hormones.
Here is a short list of all methods with their hormone content and their ability to prevent pregnancy. Click on each icon to learn more about each method.
LOW IN HORMONES AND VERY EFFECTIVE
Small doses of hormones that are released for up to 8 years directly into the womb (IUS) or in the entire body (implant). Periods may get lighter and shorter over time or completely stop, some IUS do so without affecting your cycle.
WITH HORMONES AND VERY EFFECTIVE
Need to be taken or administered daily, weekly or monthly depending on the method. Hormones are distributed in the entire body (injection, patch, pill) or the vagina only (ring). Periods will get lighter and shorter over time or completely stop.
NO HORMONES AND VERY EFFECTIVE
Hormone-free. Prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years (copper coil) or permanently (sterilization). Copper coils contain the metal copper and can cause heavier periods and cramps.
NO HORMONES AND LESS EFFECTIVE
Hormone-free. The ability to prevent pregnancy of these methods depends on how correctly you use them before or during sex. Some might use chemicals or materials that can cause allergic reactions. They have no effect on your period or cycle.
References:
1. World Health Organization. Family planning – A global handbook for providers (2022 edition). Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/family-planning--a-global-handbook-for-providers--4th-ed [Accessed June 2026].
2. Bitzer J et al. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2016;21:417–30;
3. Dehlendorf C et al. Patient Education Counselling 2017;7:1374-1381;
4. Goldhammer DL et al. BMC Family Practice 2017;18:35
