A hormone drug used in birth control procedures.
Structure
Levonorgestrel Chemical Structure –
Mode of action
It will decrease the frequency of pre-ovulatory LH (luteinizing hormone) surges and delay the frequency of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) release from the hypothalamus.
The absence of the LH surge inhibits ovulation and so therefore prevents pregnancy.
Uses
When other birth control methods have failed or after unprotected intercourse, levonorgestrel is used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
Additionally, it could stop the woman's egg from attaching to the uterine wall (womb).