What type of progestins are found in the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)?
Several different progestins are used in combined OCPs. They are all 19- nortestosterone derivatives, including the newer third generation progestins, desogestrel, gestodene and norgestimate. The clinical differences between different formulations are small and the best management of OCP side effects by selecting combined OCPs with different constituents remains an elusive goal. At present, a clinician should use clinical judgment in evaluating an individual’s response to what might appear to be estrogenic, progestogenic or androgenic effects of combined OCPs.
