There are two types of steroidal oral contraceptives: combination estrogen-progestin and progestin-only (Patton & Thibodeau, 2012). Combination estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives suppress the release of GnRH, LH, and FSH, which inhibits the follicular development portion of the menstruation cycle; this means that no ovulation will occur. Because of this co-administration, alterations in tubal peristalsis, endometrial receptivity, and cervical mucus secretions occur, therefore preventing the egg, if it is indeed released, from implanting itself in the endometrial wall of the uterus. The thickness of the wall is determined by the release of LH and FSH during the normal menstrual cycle, however oral contraceptives inhibit this release and instead the estrogen-progestin combination control the endometrial lining directly. Estrogen thickens up the wall, however, too much estrogen alone can cause abnormal cell growth and could potentially lead to cancer; combining it with progestin helps maintain a balance...
Progestin-only contraceptives do not prevent ovulation at all times, but instead alter the pulsating release of GnRH, decreasing the anterior pituitary glands responsiveness to GnRH, and preventing as much LH and FSH from being released. An increase in just progestin, without estrogen, causes the cervical mucus and endometrial lining peristalsis to be increased. This results in the inability of the egg to implant itself onto the uterus wall, and preventing fertilization to occur (Patton & Thibodeau, 2012). This entire process, that is, the ability of oral contraceptives to work is solely dependent on the exploitation of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. By altering the synthesis and secretion of the hormones controlled by this system, oral contraceptives are able to be effective in preventing pregnancy.
Depression is an often-devastating symptom and illness in people. It affects millions of people worldwide and can last anywhere from week to months to years. People often have issues with depression and seek treatment. When they do, they do not adhere to treatment protocols and may regress back into depressive episodes. There are also situations and history that may attribute to the feelings of depression such family history, tragic events,