
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Norethisterone
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Norethisterone (or norethindrone) (or 19-nor-17α-ethynyltestosterone) is a molecule used in some combined oral contraceptive pills and in some progestogen only pills. It is a progestogen and can be used to treat premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, abnormal heavy bleeding, irregular periods, menopausal syndrome (in combination with oestrogen), or to postpone a period. Norethindrone was the first orally highly active progestin to be synthesized. It was synthesized for the first time by chemists Luis E. Miramontes, Carl Djerassi, and George Rosenkranz at Syntex in Mexico City in 1951.[1] It was the progestin used in one of the first two oral contraceptives. It is often used as the related ester, norethisterone acetate.
References
References
- ↑ Djerassi C, Miramontes L, Rosenkranz G, Sondheimer F (1954). “Steroids. LIV. Synthesis of 19-Nor-17α-ethynyltestosterone and 19-Nor-17α-methyltestosterone” (abstract page). J Am Chem Soc. 76 (16): 4089&ndash, 4091. doi:10.1021/ja01645a009.
