Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Update on the development of male hormonal contraceptives
1Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108-1597, USA. bradley.anawalt@va.gov
Abstract:
Efficacy trials have shown that male hormonal contraceptives can be effective, safe and reversible. A combination of a long-acting injectable testosterone plus a progestin is most likely to be the first commercially available male hormonal contraceptive. Some potential daily oral or transdermal testosterone plus progestin formulations are also being investigated. In addition, researchers have discovered promising novel drugs such as selective androgen receptor modulators and oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists that may prove useful in male hormonal contraceptive regimens. This review briefly summarizes some of the more recent findings in the development of male hormonal contraceptives.
Related Concept Videos
Birth Control Methods
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Hormonal Regulation
