Gestodene is a synthetic progestogen commonly used in combination oral contraceptives with ethinylestradiol, where it mimics natural progesterone by regulating the menstrual cycle, inhibiting ovulation, and thickening cervical mucus to prevent fertilization. Developed in the 1980s as a third-generation progestin to improve the safety and tolerability of hormonal contraceptives, gestodene was introduced in the early 1990s and quickly became popular due to its high progestational activity and low androgenic effects, reducing side effects like acne and hirsutism compared to earlier progestins. Over time, it has remained a key option in reproductive health, providing effective contraception with improved metabolic and cardiovascular safety profiles.
