Cycle and Contraception: How Hormonal Methods Work

Hormonal contraception is not just a "pill to avoid pregnancy." It is a tool that affects the entire cycle. And if you notice changes in mood, body, and sensations — it's not a coincidence. This is the work of hormones, only now they are external, not internal.

🧠 How does it actually work?

Most hormonal methods have one goal: to prevent ovulation — that is, to stop the release of an egg.

When there is no ovulation, pregnancy becomes impossible. To achieve this, the body receives synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone. They "trick" the brain into feeling that ovulation has already occurred.

Some methods do not completely suppress ovulation but make the environment in the vagina and uterus less suitable for sperm:

• thicken cervical mucus
• thin the endometrium (the layer where an embryo usually attaches)

💊 What forms are available?

• Combined pills — taken every day at the same time
• Mini-pills — only with progestin, milder, but require strict regularity
• Patch or vaginal ring — changed once a week/month
• Injections — administered every 3 months
• Hormonal IUD (coil) — placed in the uterus and works for 3–5 years

🌙 How does it affect the cycle?

If you are taking hormonal contraception:

• The cycle becomes "artificial" — there is no ovulation, and "periods" are actually a reaction to a break in pills
• Cycle symptoms may smooth out — less PMS, pain, acne
• Mood and libido may change — better for some, worse for others
• Discharge may become lighter or disappear altogether — this is normal with a constant regimen

💬 Important to know

• You may not feel the phases as before — because they simply aren't there
• It doesn't "turn off" your femininity or desires — you remain yourself, just in a different hormonal rhythm
• If you stop taking it — ovulation usually returns within a couple of months
• Hormonal contraception is not a "pill for all problems." It has pros and cons that are important to discuss with a doctor

How about in IVA?

If you are taking hormones, you can indicate this in IVA. It's still useful to track well-being, mood, sexuality, appetite — because even in an artificial cycle, the body continues to live its own life.