levonorgestrel

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

Definition of levonorgestrel

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

Recent Examples of levonorgestrel from the Web

Some IUDs contain the hormone levonorgestrel, a kind of progestin, which helps decrease or even eliminate heavy menstrual bleeding, a common problem for women in their 40s.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "I’m in my 40s, do I still need birth control?," 12 May 2017
Hormonal IUDs contain the hormone levonorgestrel, which changes your uterine lining to create much lighter periods.

— hannah orenstein, Seventeen, "What's the Best Form of Birth Control for You?," 23 Mar. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'levonorgestrel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of levonorgestrel

lev- + norgestrel, a progestin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1977

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

levonorgestrel

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

Medical Definition of levonorgestrel

: 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