A method of contraception in which an estrogen and a progestogen are administered daily in a three phase sequence for 21 days is disclosed. In the first phase a combination of an estrogen and a progestogen in a low but contraceptively effective daily dosage corresponding in estrogenic activity to 23-28 mug of 17alpha-ethinylestradiol and in progestogenic activity to 0.065-0.75 mg of norethindrone is administered for 5-8 days； followed by the administering of the same dosage of estrogen and a progestogen corresponding in progestogenic activity to 0.25-1.0 mg of norethindrone for 7-11 days； followed by the administering of the same dosage of estrogen and a progestogen corresponding in progestogenic activity to 0.35-2.0 mg of norethindrone for 3-7 days； followed by 4-8 days without administering either an estrogen or a progestogen.
