OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which hormones are involved in the action of the combined pill?

1. FSH and LH

2. Estrogen and Progesterone

3. Testosterone and Estrogen

4. Progesterone and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

The correct answer is: Estrogen and Progesterone

The combined pill, a widely used form of hormonal contraception, primarily contains two types of hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones work together to effectively prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. Estrogen helps regulate the menstrual cycle and maintains the uterine lining. It also contributes to the inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), preventing the maturation of new eggs. Progesterone, on the other hand, further suppresses ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to access the uterus. Together, these hormones create an environment that inhibits the natural hormonal signals involved in ovulation and prepares the body for a potential pregnancy, which, in the absence of ovulation, does not occur. This dual-action mechanism is a critical aspect of the contraceptive effectiveness of the combined pill. In summary, the role of estrogen and progesterone is vital to the hormonal regulation that the pill achieves, demonstrating why this answer is correct.