norgestrel

[nawr-jes-truhl]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic progestin, C 2 1 H 2 8 O 2 , used in some oral contraceptives either alone or in combination with an estrogen.

Word History and Origins

Origin of norgestrel¹

1965–70; nor- + (pro)gest(ogen) + -rel, of uncertain derivation

Example Sentences

Progestin pills have already been available to purchase in the U.K. without prescription since 2021, and the FDA had approved norgestrel, a type of progestin, as a prescription medication in 1973.

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As mentioned, the pill that could be the first over-the-counter contraceptive available in the United States is called Opill, which has the generic name norgestrel.

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Each pack contains 21 white tablets that contain the synthetic hormones norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol and are taken for 21 consecutive days.

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Compared to combination oestrogen-progestin pills, norgestrel carries fewer risks, such as blood clots.

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