Answer:
Oral contraceptives inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins by inhibiting the secretion of GnRH through a negative feedback mechanism.
Explanation:
Most oral contraceptive pills have combined dosages of estrogen and progesterone or one of these hormones. The estrogen and progesterone are involved in negative feedback inhibition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Presence of small dosages of estrogen and progesterone inhibit the secretion of GnRH and thereby, prevents the secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH). Â
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is required for maturation of follicles while LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is required for ovulation of mature follicle. Â
Hence, hormonal contraceptives prevent conception by preventing follicle development and ovulation due to the absence of gonadotropins (FSH and LH). Â