Etonogestrel

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone progesterone. Etonogestrel binds to the cytoplasmic progesterone receptors in the reproductive system and subsequently activates progesterone receptor mediated gene expression. As a result of the negative feedback mechanism, luteinizing hormone (LH) release is inhibited, which leads to an inhibition of ovulation and an alteration in the cervical mucus and endometrium.

**Synonyms:** - (17-alpha)-13-Ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one - 3-Keto-Desogestrel - ETONOGESTREL - Implanon