What are hormonal contraceptives?

Hormonal contraceptives are a type of birth control. They can stop pregnancy by one or more of these ways:

• stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovary)
• making the mucus in your cervix (the opening of the uterus) thick and sticky, so sperm cannot reach the egg
• stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in your uterus (womb)

Some hormonal contraceptives are short acting while others are long acting.

How can hormonal contraceptives affect your periods?

Your period (menstruation) is bleeding from your vagina that happens about once a month. Periods are a part of your menstrual cycle, which is controlled by your hormones.

Taking hormonal contraceptives can affect your periods and menstrual cycle. Some forms of hormonal contraception may affect how often you get your period and how heavy your period is.

The pill

There are different types of oral contraceptive pill available. The main type of oral contraceptive is the combined oral contraceptive pill ('the pill').

The combined pill contains 2 hormones — oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones:

• stop ovulation
• make the mucus in your cervix thick so that sperm can't get into your uterus

The pill might make your periods more predictable. It can be used to help with menstrual problems like heavy bleeding and painful periods (dysmenorrhoea).

Taking the pill might also improve premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The pill often comes in a packet of 28 pills, with 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills.

It's sometimes possible to skip the inactive pills to avoid a withdrawal bleed. Talk to your doctor about whether this is possible.

Always take prescription medicines as instructed.

The progestogen-only pill

The progestogen-only pill (POP) only contains the hormone progestogen. One type of POP is called the mini pill. The POP is often used in people who can't take oestrogen.

The POP has a lower risk of blood clots than the combined oral contraceptive pill.

Your periods may change when using a POP. You may get spotting (bleeding between your periods) or irregular bleeding. Some people have no vaginal bleeding at all.

Contraceptive implants

A contraceptive implant is a small, thin, flexible rod. It's put under the skin on the inside of your arm.

The implant releases a steady dose of progestogen into your body. The hormone prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening the mucus in your cervix.

The contraceptive implant might also reduce period pain.

The contraceptive implant might change your periods. Most people have less bleeding than before the implant, but some have more frequent or longer periods.

Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD)

A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device that is put inside your uterus (womb). IUDs are sometimes called a 'coil'.

Some IUDs release the hormone progestogen.

An IUD may affect your periods. Hormonal IUDs can reduce bleeding and period pain. Irregular periods and spotting are also likely in the first 3 to 5 months of use.

The vaginal ring

The contraceptive vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring that you put in your vagina. It contains low doses of oestrogen and progestogen.

It can help control your periods and often makes bleeding more regular, lighter and sometimes less painful.

Contraceptive injections

Contraceptive injections can cause your periods to be irregular for a while before your body adjusts to the hormone.

Some people have heavier periods when they start contraceptive injections.

Over time, your periods will usually become much lighter and less regular. Many people stop having periods after 2 to 3 injections.

Where can I get hormonal contraception?

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of hormonal contraception.

Your doctor will talk with you about whether a hormonal contraceptive is suitable for you. They will also explain how the contraception may affect your periods.

Resources and support

Family Planning Australia has fact sheets on contraception, including in languages other than English.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.