Paper II
2013 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Rationale for the combination of oestrogen and progesterone in OCPs.

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Answer

Combined oral contraceptive pills contain both an oestrogen and a progestin because each contributes complementary contraceptive actions: oestrogen primarily suppresses FSH secretion (inhibiting follicular development) and stabilizes the endometrium to prevent breakthrough bleeding, while progesterone suppresses LH secretion (inhibiting ovulation), thickens cervical mucus (impairing sperm penetration), and renders the endometrium unfavourable for implantation. The combination gives more reliable suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and better cycle control than either hormone alone.

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