Norethisterone (INN, BAN), also known as Norethindrone (USAN) (brand names Micronor, AYGESTIN, numerous others) is a synthetic progestational hormone (progestin) with actions similar to those of progesterone but functioning as a more potent inhibitor of ovulation. It has weak estrogenic and androgenic properties. The hormone has been used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea, endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of organic pathology, such as submucous fibroids or uterine cancer. AYGESTIN® is not intended, recommended or approved to be used with oncomitant estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women for endometrial protection. Progestins diffuse freely into target cells and bind to the progesterone receptor. Target cells include the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary. Once bound to the receptor, progestins slow the frequency of release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus and blunt the pre-ovulatory LH surge. Allergic reaction could be: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

Norethynodrel is a steroidal progestin of the 19-nortestosterone group and an isomer of norethisterone. Norethynodrel is a progesteron agonist with very weak estrogenic activiry. Noretynodrel was introduced in 1957 in Enovid, a combination formulation of noretynodrel and mestranol, for the treatment of gynecological and menstrual disorders.A few years later, in May 1960, Enovid was also approved as the first oral contraceptive.