Progestins in preventive hormone therapy. Including pharmacology of the new progestins, desogestrel, norgestimate, and gestodene: are there advantages?

Progestins have played an important role in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This article reviews the history, structure, and pharmacology of synthetic progestins, including the new progestins, norgestimate, gestodene, and desogestrel. The benefits and potential effect on carcinoma of the breast for each HRT are summarized. Current treatment alternatives are addressed.