A woman using a combined oral contraceptive pill consistently misses doses in the third week of her cycle. Which consequence follows from reduced progestin levels during this time?

💡 Explanation

Decreased progestin levels reduce negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary. This stimulates GnRH, LH, and FSH release, because the suppression of these hormones is weakened; therefore, follicular development and potential ovulation become more likely, rather than continued suppression typically seen with consistent progestin.

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