Progestogens
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
Drug Name | Avg. Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
levonorgestrel systemic (Pro) Brand names: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Her Style, Kyleena |
10,541 reviews | |
etonogestrel systemic Brand name: Nexplanon |
6,586 reviews | |
medroxyprogesterone systemic (Pro) Brand names: Depo Provera, Provera, depo-subQ provera 104 |
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 |
1,577 reviews | |
drospirenone systemic Brand name: Slynd |
401 reviews | |
hydroxyprogesterone systemic (Pro) |
164 reviews | |
megestrol systemic (Pro) Brand name: Megace ES |
135 reviews | |
progesterone systemic (Pro) Brand names: Prometrium, Crinone, Endometrin, Milprosa |
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). |
See also
Medical conditions treated or associated with Progestogens:
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- AIDS Related Wasting
- Amenorrhea
- Anorexia
- Birth Control
- Breast Cancer, Palliative
- Cachexia
- Emergency Contraception
- Endometrial Cancer
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometrial Hyperplasia, Prophylaxis
- Endometriosis
- Female Infertility
- Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Hot Flashes
- Perimenopausal Symptoms
- Premature Labor
- Progesterone Insufficiency
- Uterine Bleeding
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.