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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From BusinessWeek

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.

From Salon