progestogen

(prō-jĕs'tə-jən)
n.
Any of various substances having progestational effects; a progestin.

[PRO-¹ + GEST(ATION) + -GEN.]

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A group of steroids that includes the naturally occurring hormone progesterone, which maintains the normal course of pregnancy, and synthetic equivalents of progesterone: the term is usually restricted to synthetic forms. Synthetic progestogens are used to treat menstrual disorders, including heavy, painful, or irregular periods. Because they prevent the release of egg cells from the ovary, they are major constituents of oral contraceptives, either alone (in progestogen-only pills) or combined with an oestrogen. They are also used in other forms of hormonal contraception (see depot contraceptives) and in hormone replacement therapy, and some are used in the treatment of breast and endometrial cancer and endometriosis. Synthetic progestogens may be taken by mouth, by injection, by implants, or as skin patches. The commonly used progestogens are desogestrel, dydrogesterone, etynodiol diacetate, gestodene, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, norethisterone, and norgestimate.

Side effects:
include irregular menstrual bleeding, breast discomfort, acne, cysts in the ovary, headache, nausea, and weight gain; there may be changes in libido.

Precautions:
progestogens should not be taken by women with a history of heart disease, arterial disease, thrombosis, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, a history of liver tumours, severe liver disease, breast or genital cancer, or previous ectopic pregnancy. They should not be taken during pregnancy. They should be used with caution by women with high blood pressure, ovarian cysts, or migraine.

Interactions with other drugs:

Antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin reduce the contraceptive effects of progestogens. See oral contraceptives.
Anticoagulants the effect of warfarin may be reduced or enhanced; the effect of phenindione is reduced.
Antiepileptic drugs: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rufinamide, and topiramate reduce the contraceptive effects of progestogens (see oral contraceptives); the plasma concentration of lamotrigine is increased.
Aprepitant may reduce the contraceptive effects of progestogens. See oral contraceptives.
Bosentan may reduce the contraceptive effects of progestogens. See oral contraceptives.
Ciclosporin: progestogens increase the plasma concentration (and therefore side effects) of ciclosporin.
Griseofulvin reduces the effects of progestogens. See oral contraceptives.
Nevirapine reduces the effects of progestogens.
St John's wort: reduces the contraceptive effects of progestogens and should not be taken with them.

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or progestagen or progestin

any natural or synthetic compound with the hormonal activity of progesterone. In oral contraception regimes, a progestogen is normally combined with an estrogen. The effect is to inhibit ovulation. A preferred method is to use a gestagen, which acts by an effect on the endometrium; these have fewer side effects than progestogens.

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Any substance having progestational activity.

(prō-jes′tō-jen)
n

An agent capable of producing effects similar to progesterone; used to correct abnormalities of the menstrual cycle.