what hormones are in birth control

Birth control pills contain man-made forms of two hormones called estrogen and progestin. These hormones are made naturally in a womans ovaries. Birth control pills can contain both of these hormones, or have progestin only. Both hormones prevent a womans ovary from releasing an egg during her menstrual cycle, which is called ovulation. They do this by changing the levels of the natural hormones the body makes. Progestins also make the mucus around a womans cervix thick and sticky, which helps prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Other hormonal methods of birth control, such as the implant, intrauterine device (IUD), injections, vaginal rings, and skin patches, also contain estrogen and/or progestin.