etynodiol

Etynodiol is a synthetic progestin (progestogen) used as a component of oral contraceptives. It acts as an agonist of the progesterone receptor and has weak androgenic and estrogenic activity. Etynodiol itself is not marketed alone but is available in the form of its diacetate ester (etynodiol diacetate), which serves as a prodrug that is rapidly converted in the body to norethisterone via etynodiol as an intermediate. Its primary mechanism involves binding to progesterone receptors, suppressing ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropin release from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, altering cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and modifying endometrial lining to prevent implantation[5][7]. Etynodiol was discovered in 1954.

Other names

ethynodiol19-nor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yne-3β,17-diol