Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 1BI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Explain how hormonal contraception influences the menstrual cycle and…
Full specification wording
Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis: 7.6 Explain how hormonal contraception influences the menstrual cycle and prevents pregnancy
Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic oestrogen and/or progesterone that keep blood hormone concentrations high and steady, mimicking the luteal phase.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1BI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 6 of 19
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic oestrogen and/or progesterone that keep blood hormone concentrations high and steady, mimicking the luteal phase. High progesterone exerts negative feedback on the pituitary gland, so FSH and LH release is suppressed. Without FSH, follicles do not mature and no egg is released, so ovulation cannot occur. Without LH there is no ovulation surge. The maintained hormone level also keeps the uterus wall stable, making it less receptive to implantation, and thickens cervical mucus so sperm struggle to reach the egg. Because no egg is released, sperm cannot fertilise it and pregnancy is prevented. Stopping the contraceptive removes the suppression, so FSH and LH rise and the cycle resumes.
What earns the marks
- Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic oestrogen and/or progesterone.
- The hormones keep concentrations high and steady, mimicking the normal luteal phase.
- High progesterone exerts negative feedback on the pituitary gland, reducing FSH and LH release.
- Without FSH, follicles do not mature, so no egg is released and ovulation is prevented.
- The maintained hormone level keeps the uterus wall stable, reducing the chance of implantation.
- Thickened cervical mucus makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
- With no egg released and sperm hindered, fertilisation cannot occur, so pregnancy is prevented.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking hormonal contraception kills sperm or eggs.
Put it right by explaining it prevents follicle maturation and ovulation through feedback on the pituitary.
Believing the contraceptive works by making the uterus wall shed immediately.
Put it right by stating it keeps the wall stable and less receptive to implantation.
Assuming only oestrogen is involved.
Put it right by noting that progesterone (often combined with oestrogen) is central to suppressing FSH and LH.
Exam tips
- State clearly that FSH and LH release from the pituitary is reduced, since this is the key mechanism.
- Link the absence of ovulation to the prevention of fertilisation in a logical chain.
- Mention at least one secondary effect, such as thickened cervical mucus or a less receptive uterus wall, to gain extra credit.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis: 7.6 Explain how hormonal contraception influences the menstrual cycle and prevents pregnancy lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Combined contraceptive pills contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. Which pair of hormones do these pills typically contain?
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis: 7.6 Explain how hormonal contraception influences the menstrual cycle and prevents pregnancy
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge