[New progestins in oral hormonal contraceptives]

Three new progestins with a high gestagenic potency have been developed as derivatives of the levonorgestrel (in brackets: biological active substance in the human): desogestrel (3-keto-desogestrel), norgestimate (norgestimate), gestodene (gestodene). In combination with low dosages of ethinylestradiol (30-35 micrograms) an excessive steroid overload can be avoided, which is not necessary for contraceptive efficacy and control of the menstrual cycle. As an effect of dose reducing during long-time studies only a mild impact on the lipids and carbohydrates, and blood coagulation could be observed. The clinical side effects are moderate and for most patients acceptable.