ethinyl estradiol + norethindrone acetate

This specific oral combined hormonal contraceptive (OC) formulation consists of 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and 1 mg of norethindrone acetate (a progestin). In the context of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), particularly in women of later reproductive age (40-49 years), it is used as a first-line medical therapy to manage clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism, regulate menstrual cycles, and prevent endometrial hyperplasia by inducing regular withdrawal bleeding. The University of Virginia studied this formulation in a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial (NCT03905941) to determine its relative desirability and efficacy compared to metformin, using the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (PCOSQ) score as a proxy for patient satisfaction. The mechanism involves the suppression of pituitary gonadotropin secretion, which inhibits ovulation and reduces ovarian androgen production.

Brand names

Loestrin 1/20Junel 1/20Microgestin 1/20Larin 1/20Gildess 1/20Aurovela 1/20Hailey 1/20

Other names

oral combined hormonal contraceptivesOCsbirth control pillethinyl estradiol 20 mcg / norethindrone acetate 1 mg