From the Guidelines
Norgestrel, a synthetic progestin, offers several benefits, including preventing pregnancy, managing menstrual disorders, and treating endometriosis symptoms, with its use also potentially reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers, such as endometrial cancer, as noted in studies like 1 and 1.
Benefits of Norgestrel
- Prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
- Manages menstrual disorders by regulating cycles, reducing heavy bleeding, and alleviating menstrual pain.
- Treats endometriosis symptoms by suppressing endometrial tissue growth.
- Helps regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce androgen-related symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- May reduce the risk of certain reproductive cancers, particularly endometrial cancer, by preventing excessive endometrial growth, as suggested by 1 and 1.
Mechanism of Action
Norgestrel works by binding to progesterone receptors throughout the body, mimicking the effects of natural progesterone.
Dosage and Administration
Typical dosages vary by formulation and indication, with contraceptive pills containing 0.3-0.5 mg taken daily.
Side Effects
Side effects may include irregular bleeding, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes, so discussing individual health history with a healthcare provider before starting norgestrel is important, as noted in 1 and 1.
Important Considerations
The use of norgestrel, especially in combination with estrogen, may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and other cardiovascular events, as discussed in 1 and 1. Therefore, it is crucial to weigh the benefits against the risks and consider individual patient factors before prescribing norgestrel.
From the FDA Drug Label
Opill® works mainly by thickening your cervical mucus which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg. You must take it every day to prevent pregnancy. In addition, Opill® may prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.
If you decide you want to become pregnant, simply stop taking Opill® Opill® will not delay your ability to get pregnant.
Yes. Opill® is safe and effective in breastfeeding women. Small amounts of progestin may pass into the breast milk; however, no adverse effects have been found on either breastfeeding performance or infant health.
The actual and potential benefits of norgestrel include:
- Preventing pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and possibly preventing ovulation
- Not delaying fertility if the user decides to become pregnant after stopping the medication
- Safe use during breastfeeding, with no adverse effects on breastfeeding performance or infant health 2
From the Research
Actual Benefits of Norgestrel
- Prevention of pregnancy, as indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of norgestrel (Opill) as the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive pill available in the United States 3
- Inhibition of ovulation, with two thirds of subjects having no evidence of ovulation in a study on the mechanism of action of norgestrel 0.075 mg 4
- Improvement of medical conditions associated with hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle, such as acne, endometriosis, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as a benefit of hormonal contraceptives 5
- High effectiveness in clinical use, with similar estimates of failure in breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, providing support to the case for approval without the need to see a healthcare provider 6
Potential Benefits of Norgestrel
- Increased access to contraception, particularly for women who may face restrictions or limitations in accessing reproductive healthcare 3
- Reduced risk of unintended pregnancy, which is greatest among women younger than 24 years, women of color, and those who have incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level 3
- Potential to reduce the risk of venous thrombosis, as progestin-only methods like norgestrel are associated with rare serious risks compared to estrogen-containing methods 5
- Improved cycle control, with a lower incidence of unscheduled bleeding/spotting and a higher incidence of scheduled bleeding compared to other combined hormonal contraceptives 7