Norgestrel is a progestin used in combination with ethinyl estradiol for oral contraception and prevention of pregnancy in women. Norgestrel is composed of a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers, dextronorgestrel and levonorgestrel.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Norgestrel (and more specifically the active stereoisomer levonorgestrel) binds to the progesterone and estrogen receptors within the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary. Once bound to the receptor, progestins like levonorgestrel will slow the frequency of release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus and blunt the pre-ovulatory LH (luteinizing hormone) surge. Loss of the LH surge inhibits ovulation and thereby prevents pregnancy.
- Primary indication
- Norgestrel in combination with ethinyl estradiol is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception.Curator reviewed · 8 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C21H28O2 · 312.453 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2003 · United States, 1975
- Also known as
- Methylnorethindrone
- Code names
- WY-3707
- Brand names
Resolves to
WWYNJERNGUHSAO-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCC12CCC3C(CCC4=CC(=O)CCC34)C1CCC2(O)C#CWhat you can answer from here — as of September 14, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Norgestrel, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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