Progestins for contraception: modern delivery systems and novel formulations

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Dec;57(4):644-58. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000072.

Abstract

Since the development of combined oral contraceptives over 50 years ago, significant innovations have occurred in the domain of the progestin. Evolving knowledge of progestin mechanism of action and physiology has allowed for development of novel progestins with limited steroid receptor cross-reactivity, decreased side effect profiles, and pharmacokinetics optimized for modern delivery systems. This review summarizes current knowledge of progestin physiology, modern delivery systems, and developments of progestin agonists and antagonists for contraception.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / therapeutic use
  • Contraceptive Devices, Female*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / therapeutic use
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Implants
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Devices, Medicated
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / therapeutic use
  • Progesterone Congeners / therapeutic use*
  • Progestins / therapeutic use*
  • Transdermal Patch
  • Venous Thromboembolism / chemically induced

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
  • Drug Implants
  • Estrogens
  • Progesterone Congeners
  • Progestins
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate