What is Norgestimate?
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What's the lowdown?
Norgestimate is a third-generation synthetic progesteroneÂ
It is commonly found in the combined oral contraceptive pills
It has a weak androgenic properties unlike other progestogins
Norgestimate is a third-generation synthetic progestin used exclusively in the combined pill along with ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic oestrogen. While it’s rarely seen without its partner in crime, it is used alone as a hormone therapy for menopausal women in some countries.
How does Norgestimate work?
Norgestimate ethinyl-estradiol found in the combined pill works by stopping ovulation and thinning the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg can’t implant into it.1Â Progestins in combined contraceptive pills can also make your cervical fluid thicker, stopping sperm from being able to enter your uterus.
What is it used in?
Birth control with norgestimate are these combined contraceptive pills:
Is Norgestimate androgenic?
Yes, but it has weak anti-androgenic properties. (Check out our ‘Androgens’ blog for more info on what this means).
Norgestimate side effects
As norgestimate is almost always taken with ethinyl estradiol in the combined pill, it’s virtually impossible to say which are norgestimate side effects. The following side effects are common with the combined pill 2:
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Mood changes
As of September 2024, 35% of Lowdown users indicated Cilest had a negative effect on their mood, 45% experienced lighter periods and 45% lost their sex drive. For Lizinna, 31% of users said it had a negative impact on mood, 39% had lighter periods and 49% lost their sex drive.
This date is self-reported from Lowdown contraceptive surveys.
Difference between norgestimate and levonorgestrel
Norgestimate and levonorgestrel are both synthetic progestins used in contraceptives. Levonorgestrel is also used as a morning-after pill. Levonorgestrel has more androgenic activity than norgestimate.Â
Desogestrel vs norgestimate
Desogestrel and norgestimate are both third generation progestins and have weak androgenic activity. Desogestrel and norgestimate are both not active on their own and need to be converted by the body into an active work.
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Our medical review process
This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.
