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Progestogens

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 20, 2025.

What are Progestogens?

Progestogens is an umbrella term that encompasses both progesterone and progestins. It includes any substance (both natural and synthetic) that has progesterone-like activity. The term progestogen is often used in medical literature when referring to the entire class of progesterone-receptor activating compounds

Progesterone

Progesterone is the natural hormone produced primarily by the ovaries (corpus luteum), placonta, and adrenal glands. Manufactured forms have a bioidentical structure to what your body naturally produces.

  • Chemical formula: C21H30O2
  • Examples: Micronized progesterone (Prometrium), progesterone gel (Crinone), progesterone generic
  • Uses: Hormone replacement therapy, fertility treatments, menstrual disorders

Progestins

Progestins are synthetic compounds that mimic progesterone's effects. They have a different chemical structure from natural progesterone but still bind to progesterone receptors. Progestins are man-made in a laboratory and their modified structure means they have different properties to natural progesterone, such as a longer half-life, oral bioavailability, or side effect profile.

  • Examples include: norgestrel (Opill), medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera), norethindrone (Aygestin), levonorgestrel (Plan B, Mirena IUD), etonogestrel (Implanon, Nexplanon), megestrol (Megace ES), and drospirenone (in Yaz birth control).
  • Uses: Birth control pills, hormone therapy, menstrual regulation.

Key Practical Differences: Progesterone vs Progestins

Metabolism:

  • Progesterone is metabolized similarly to your body's natural processes
  • Progestins may have different metabolic pathways and side effect profiles

Side Effects:

  • Natural progesterone often has fewer adverse effects
  • Some progestins may increase risks of blood clots, mood changes, or other complications

Potency and Duration:

  • Progestins are often more potent and longer-lasting than natural progesterone
  • This allows for once-daily dosing in many cases

Clinical Applications:

  • Progesterone is preferred for hormone replacement in menopause by some providers
  • Progestins are commonly used in contraceptives due to their stability and effectiveness

In summary: Progestogens is the broad category, progesterone is the natural hormone, and progestins are the synthetic alternatives.

 

List of Progestogens

View by  Generic | Brand
Drug Name Avg. Rating Reviews
levonorgestrel systemic (Pro)
Brand names: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Her Style, Kyleena
7.0
10,541 reviews
etonogestrel systemic
Brand name: Nexplanon
5.3
6,586 reviews
medroxyprogesterone systemic (Pro)
Brand names: Depo Provera, Provera, depo-subQ provera 104
4.5
2,474 reviews
norethindrone systemic (Pro)
Brand names: Nor-QD, Camila, Errin, Heather, Jencycla, Lyza, Sharobel, Deblitane, Incassia, Norlyda, Tulana, Lyleq, Affodel, Emzahh, Gallifrey, Orquidea, Meleya
4.9
1,577 reviews
drospirenone systemic
Brand name: Slynd
5.9
401 reviews
hydroxyprogesterone systemic (Pro)
6.8
164 reviews
megestrol systemic (Pro)
Brand name: Megace ES
7.3
135 reviews
progesterone systemic (Pro)
Brand names: Prometrium, Crinone, Endometrin, Milprosa
6.5
78 reviews
norgestrel systemic
Brand name: Opill
No reviews
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.