levonorgestrel
/ˌliːvəʊnɔːˈdʒɛstr(ə)l
/noun [mass noun] Biochemistry
A synthetic steroid hormone which has a similar effect to progesterone and is used in some contraceptive pills.We have Progestasert (a progesterone IUD), which is still available as well as the newer Mirena, which relies on the hormone levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone....
- Plan B uses a form of the synthetic hormone progestin, called levonorgestrel, to block ovulation and fertilization of the egg in a process similar to what happens with use of traditional birth control pills.
- It consists of the hormone levonorgestrel, a common ingredient in birth control pills.
Origin
1970s: from levo- (it being a laevorotatory isomer) + norgestrel, a synthetic steroid hormone.