levonorgestrel

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

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of levonorgestrel

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

Recent Examples of levonorgestrel from the Web

Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla—that release levonorgestrel, a type of progesterone, into the uterus every day.

— lori keong, Marie Claire, "If You’re Freaking Out About Getting an IUD, Here’s What to Know About the Insertion Process," 30 Oct. 2017
Women using copper IUDs complained more frequently about unusual or bad-smelling discharge than women using levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, according to a 2014 study published in The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care.

— ashley oerman, Cosmopolitan, "18 Things Every Woman Should Know About Getting an IUD," 6 Feb. 2018
This dose of levonorgestrel dampens the release of LH, thus delaying or totally preventing ovulation that month.

— sarah jacoby, SELF, "What the Heck Are High-BMI Women Supposed to Do About Emergency Contraception?," 1 Nov. 2017
But levonorgestrel isn't the only morning-after pill.

— sarah jacoby, SELF, "What the Heck Are High-BMI Women Supposed to Do About Emergency Contraception?," 1 Nov. 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
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

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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

levonorgestrel

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