Nomegestrol Acetate

Written by The Lowdown

|

Medically reviewed by Dr Melanie Davis-Hall

on May 24, 2021

Nomegestrol acetate is a synthetic progestin that was first licensed for use in 2011, making it a fairly recent addition to the contraceptive world. It’s also used in some hormonal therapies for menopausal women.

It is used in the combined pill alongside ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic oestrogen.

How does it work?

Nomegestrol acetate prevents ovulation by suppressing lutenising hormone1. When combined with the oestrogen ethinyl estradiol it can also thicken the cervical fluid to stop sperm from entering your uterus, and can thin the lining of your womb so that a fertilised egg can’t implant.

What is it in?

Combined pill

  • Zoely

Is it androgenic?

No – in fact, it is mildly anti-androgenic1. (Check out our ‘Androgens’ blog for more info on what this means).

What are the side effects?

The following side effects have been reported for nomegestrol acetate3:

  • Unusual bleeding
  • Absence of a withdrawal bleed
  • Acne
  • Weight change

Please note as it’s such a new pill there is a lack of research evidence for Zoely, so The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that the side effects that are common in combined contraceptive pills in general should also be considered potential side effects of Zoely. To learn more about other combine contraceptive pills visit the contraception pages on The Lowdown website. 

    References

    Social Logo Lowdown

    The Lowdown

    We are a real-word evidence platform for women’s health that’s visited by almost 2 million women every year. We enable women to review and research their health conditions, symptoms and medications so they can make more informed decisions. Our approach is unique; we provide credible, scientific information alongside reviews from our community of women. We believe that listening to women’s experiences of healthcare is crucial to improving it. Any articles written by "The Lowdown" are written by a range of Lowdown team members and medical professionals.

    Our medical review process

    This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.