Hormonal Birth Control Discussion

Hormonal birth control works by effecting the secretion of primary female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.  Hormonal contraceptives are available in many different forms such oral contraceptives, transdermal patch, contraceptive coils, and vaginal rings.  Hormonal contraceptives primary goal is to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, implantation, and fertilization of an egg (Frye).  Although the goal does not change, the mechanism and mode for the varies forms do.

Oral contraceptives according to literature are the most widely used method in the United States (Frye).  Most oral contraceptives are in the form of combination oral contraceptives containing  both estrogen and progesterone and deliver the hormones in a monophasic fashion.   The contraceptive effect is achieved by eliciting a negative feedback response on the anterior pituitary that prevents ovulation by inhibiting the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus (Costanzo, Lobo).  Estrogen works in the combination by  preventing the release of FSH and thus preventing the development of the ovum.  In contrast progesterone contributes by thickening the cervical mucus which creates a hostile environment for the sperm to penetrate.  Also leads to a decrease in motility in the fallopian tube thus effecting sperm migration which prevents implantation from taking place (Costanzo, Frye).

The transdermal patch prevents pregnancy by using a different mechanism then the oral contraceptive mentioned above.  Oral contraceptives enter the body through the blood stream through the digestive system, while transdermal patch administers the hormones through the skin to the bloodstream.  The patch administers more estrogen then what is seen in the pill and thus can have more side effects than those seen in the pill (Frye).  The patch prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the ovaries from releasing eggs as well as preventing fertilization by thickening the cervical mucus.

The vaginal ring works mechanistically in the same way as the transdermal patch.  The mode of use is different as the hormones are administered through the walls of the vagina.  Like both oral contraceptives and transdermal patch, the ring contains a combination of both estrogen and progesterone.

Another class of hormonal birth control is IUDs, a hormone releasing contraceptive coil.  IUDs contain the hormone levonorgestrel which is absorbed in the lining of the womb and works by preventing the lining of the womb from building up and thus preventing eggs from embedding in the womb.  The hormone administered through the coil also makes the mucus at the entrance of the cervix thicker and sticker preventing sperm from entering.

Beyond the need to prevent pregnancy, hormonal birth control can have other health benefits.  Benefits such as a decreased incidence of benign breast disease and  reduction in ovarian cyst.  Women who use hormonal birth control tend to have less painful menstrual cycles.  Contraceptives such as oral contraceptives can be used to treat acne, hirsutism, and alopecia because of the anti-androgenic progestogens (Schindler).

I just need you to wria reply 1. Identify any two (2) physiologic concepts that you learned from each thread
2. A constructive critique of the thread – which may include a request for clarification, pointing out errors or adding some new physiologic information from your own research.

Important information for writing discussion questions and participation

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Your initial discussion post should be a minimum of 200 words and response posts should be a minimum of 150 words. Be advised that I grade based on quality and not necessarily the number of words you post. A minimum of TWO references should be used for your initial post. For your response post, you do not need references as personal experiences would count as response posts. If you however cite anything from the literature for your response post, it is required that you cite your reference. You should include a minimum of THREE references for papers in this course. Please note that references should be no more than 5 years old except recommended as a resource for the class. Furthermore, for each discussion board question, you need ONE initial substantive response and TWO substantive responses to either your classmates or your instructor for a total of THREE responses. There are TWO discussion questions each week, hence, you need a total minimum of SIX discussion posts for each week. I usually post a discussion question each week. You could also respond to these as it would count towards your required SIX discussion posts for the week.

I understand this is a lot of information to cover in 5 weeks, however, the Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Even in times like this, we are encouraged by God’s word that we have that ability in us to succeed with His strength. I pray that each and every one of you receives strength for this course and life generally as we navigate through this pandemic that is shaking our world today. Relax and enjoy the course!

Hi Class,

Please read through the following information on writing a Discussion question response and participation posts.

Contact me if you have any questions.

Important information on Writing a Discussion Question

• Your response needs to be a minimum of 150 words (not including your list of references)
• There needs to be at least TWO references with ONE being a peer reviewed professional journal article.
• Include in-text citations in your response
• Do not include quotes—instead summarize and paraphrase the information
• Follow APA-7th edition
• Points will be deducted if the above is not followed

Participation –replies to your classmates or instructor

• A minimum of 6 responses per week, on at least 3 days of the week.
• Each response needs at least ONE reference with citations—best if it is a peer reviewed journal article
• Each response needs to be at least 75 words in length (does not include your list of references)
• Responses need to be substantive by bringing information to the discussion or further enhance the discussion. Responses of “I agree” or “great post” does not count for the word count.
• Follow APA 7th edition
• Points will be deducted if the above is not followed

• Remember to use and follow APA-7th edition for all weekly assignments, discussion questions, and participation points.
• Here are some helpful links
• The is a great resource