| Pharmacodynamics |
Norgestimate is used as a female contraceptive. Norgestimate is a
progestin or a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex
hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg
matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then
produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and
priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy
occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the
womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the
body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Norgestimate tricks the body
processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by
maintaining high levels of the synthetic progesterone. This prevents the
release of eggs from the ovaries. |
