Norethindrone enanthate

Norethindrone enanthate

Norethindrone enanthate (also known as Norethisterone enanthate) is a progestin medication which is used in birth control and in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. It is a long-acting estrogen and progestogen combination that is administered by intramuscular injection.

Pharmacology

Norethindrone enanthate is a prodrug of norethindrone, which means it is biologically inactive until it is metabolized in the body. It is a synthetic progestogen and has similar effects to the natural hormone progesterone. It works by inhibiting the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, which prevents ovulation and leads to changes in the uterine lining that make it less likely for implantation to occur.

Medical uses

Norethindrone enanthate is used in contraceptive injections and is also used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women. It is often combined with an estrogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can lead to uterine cancer.

Side effects

Common side effects of norethindrone enanthate include menstrual irregularities, nausea, breast tenderness, and headache. Less common side effects can include weight gain, mood changes, acne, and hair loss.

See also

• List of progestogens
• List of progestogen esters
• Progestogen-only injectable contraceptive