Small molecule
PubChem CID 6230
Norethindrone
Camila
- Mechanism of action
- Synthetic progestin — progesterone receptor agonist
- In plain language
- A lab-made version of progesterone that prevents pregnancy through several combined effects: thickening cervical mucus, suppressing ovulation in about half of users, and altering the uterine lining.
- How it works
- Norethindrone is a synthetic progestin that binds and activates the progesterone receptor. Per FDA labeling, progestin-only oral contraceptives prevent conception through several combined effects: suppressing ovulation in approximately half of users, thickening cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration, lowering the mid-cycle LH and FSH peaks, slowing movement of the ovum through the fallopian tubes, and altering the endometrium. Because it lacks estrogen, its contraceptive effect relies on these combined progestogenic mechanisms rather than reliable ovulation suppression alone.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated as a progestin-only oral contraceptive for the prevention of pregnancy. Taken continuously, one tablet daily at the same time each day, with no placebo interval.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Reproductive health / Contraception
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