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Type of Progestin
Type of Progestin
All combination of birth control pill contain estrogen (typically ethinyl estradiol) and one of
eight kinds of progestin. The term progestin is used for any natural or man-made substance that
has properties similar to natural progesterone.
To best understand how a progestin may be classified, it is helpful to clarify the types of effects a
progestin may have on the female body in terms of progestational, estrogenic, and androgenic
activity. Also, progestins are categorized by generation.
1. Norethindrone
2. Norethindrone Acetate
4. Levonorgestrel
5. Norgestrel
6. Desogestrel
7. Norgestimate
Third-generation progestin,
Has high progestational activity while showing slight estrogenic effects and tends to be
less androgenic.
It also has minimal effect on serum lipoproteins as well as on carbohydrate metabolism.
The low androgenic effects of norgestimate have resulted in successful treatment of acne.
In fact, birth control pills that contain norgestimate are the only ones FDA approved to
help reduce acne.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is a brand that provides norgestimate and a mid-level dose of
estrogen.
This pill may be helpful in lowering side effects such as nausea and vomiting while not
causing an increased incidence of spotting (typically associated with low-estrogen pills).
8. Drospirenone