Expert: Drea Jean H. - 5/19/2006

Question
I read that the pill contains hormones that "inhibit" ovulation.  What does this mean--do we not ovulate if we are on the pill or the ring?  I thought ovulation was why we menstruated, so if we menstruate when we are on the pill or the ring, doesn't that mean that we ovulate, too?

thanks.

Answer
Hi Bridget,

Your body does many diffrent things in a month. The two main functions are ovulation and building up a nutrient-rich blood lining in the uterus, so that if you become pregnant, the egg has a place to implant, and grow.

The pill stops ovulation, and it makes that lining not build up as quickly or as thick, wich is why some women notice shorter or lighter periods. Your period is the shedding of that lining, so it can build a new one next month. This will happen even when ovulation does not occur, for example, it women who have had their tubes tied. The hormones that control the lining are diffrent than the ones that control ovulation, and the two functions are seprate from one another.

Hope that helps answer your question.

Thanks,

Drea Jean