levonorgestrel

noun

le·​vo·​nor·​ges·​trel ˌlē-və-nȯr-ˈje-strəl 

: the levorotatory form of a synthetic progestin C₂₁H₂₈O₂ used especially in oral contraceptives

Examples of levonorgestrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They're composed of a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel, writes the FDA, which has been used in birth control pills for more than 35 years. —Alyssa Goldberg, The Courier-Journal, 13 Nov. 2024

In theory, levonorgestrel emergency contraception like Plan B would still be covered under the existing mandate only if it’s prescribed. —Katie Camero, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024

Studies suggest that levonorgestrel, the active drug, may not work as well in people with obesity, possibly leading to drug failure and pregnancy, said Dr. Alison Edelman, an OB-GYN and researcher at Oregon Health & Science University, who studies contraception and obesity. —Jonel Aleccia, Fortune Well, 7 Nov. 2023

The combination of levonorgestrel and a placebo prevented 63% of pregnancies, while the levonorgestrel-piroxicam duo prevented 95% of pregnancies, researchers found. —Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 16 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

lev- + norgestrel, a progestin

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

levonorgestrel

noun

le·​vo·​nor·​ges·​trel ˌlē-və-nȯr-ˈjes-trəl 

: a synthetic progestin C₂₁H₂₈O₂ that is used especially in birth control pills and contraceptive implants and that is the levorotatory form of norgestrel see mirena, plan b, seasonale, seasonique