Norgestimate

Norgestimate is a progestin medication which is used in birth control pills in combination with an estrogen. It is also used in menopausal hormone therapy. Norgestimate is available only as a combination formulation and is not available alone.

Pharmacology

Norgestimate is a progestogen, or an agonist of the progesterone receptor, the biological target of progestogens like progesterone. It has weak androgenic and estrogenic activity and no other important hormonal activity. The medication is a prodrug of norelgestromin and to a lesser extent of levonorgestrel in the body.

Medical uses

Norgestimate is used in hormonal contraception and menopausal hormone therapy among other indications. It is used in combination with ethinylestradiol in birth control pills. The medication has been found to be effective in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and endometriosis.

Side effects

Side effects of norgestimate may include menstrual irregularities, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, acne, increased hair growth, and others.

History

Norgestimate was introduced for medical use, specifically in birth control pills, in 1986. It was the first of the third-generation progestins to be introduced and was followed by desogestrel in 1987 and gestodene in 1987.

Society and culture

Norgestimate is marketed widely throughout the world. It is available as a generic medication.

See also

• List of progestogens
• List of progestogen esters
• Progestogen-only pill
• Combined oral contraceptive pill