Types of medicine
What Is a Progestin? Hormones in Contraception Explained
Progestin · say it: proh-JES-tinAlso written: progestogen, progestagen, synthetic progesterone
Short answer
A progestin is a man-made hormone that acts like progesterone, used in contraception, hormone therapy and some gynaecology treatments.
What it means
Progesterone is a natural hormone that prepares the womb lining for pregnancy and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Progestins (also called progestogens) are man-made versions. They are used in many contraceptives, such as combined pills, progestin-only pills, implants, injections and hormonal coils, and in hormone therapy for menopause and some period and womb conditions.
Labels for progestin-containing products include warnings about irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first months, and possible mood changes. In menopausal hormone therapy, a progestin is added to estrogen for people who still have a womb, to protect the womb lining. Labels for combined products also carry estrogen-related warnings, such as blood clots.
Progestin is the man-made form; progesterone is the body's natural hormone, which is also available as a medicine. Progestin-only methods are sometimes chosen for people who should not take estrogen.
Where you may see it
- Contraceptive pill, implant and injection leaflets
- Menopausal hormone therapy labels
- Gynaecology clinic letters
📄 How it looks on a report
Progestin-only pills: Take at the same time every day. Irregular bleeding is common, especially during the first months.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Irregular bleeding on a progestin is common and does not always mean something is wrong, though it is worth mentioning.
- It is not the same as estrogen, and its risks are different.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Progestin”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Estradiol
An estrogen hormone medicine
- Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
a combination birth control pill that contains a progestin and an estrogen
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
A progestin hormone. The label describes it as a derivative of progesterone. The FDA pharmacologic class is not listed.
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Progestin” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “progestin”
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