Drug Groups

approved

Description

Norgestimate is a form of progesterone, which is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Norgestimate is used with estradiol to treat the symptoms of menopause.

Indication

For the prevention of pregnancy

Pharmacology

Norgestimate is used as a female contraceptive. Norgestimate is a progestin or a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Norgestimate tricks the body processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by maintaining high levels of the synthetic progesterone. This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

GI tract/Hepatic

Half Life

12-30 hours

External Links