Chemists spent decades searching for progestins that could reliably support women’s health without loading the body with harsh side effects. In this spirit, German researchers developed dienogest in the late 1970s. As the pharmaceutical world saw major shifts in family planning and reproductive medicine, dienogest offered a new path. Its structure brings together traits from 19-nortestosterone derivatives with subtle chemical tweaks that deliver a unique biological profile. After years of rigorous clinical work, it won its place in medical guidelines. Here, scientists didn’t chase novelty for its own sake—they shaped a drug that provides real-world benefits, especially for people facing endometriosis or the need for contraception with fewer risks for cardiovascular or androgenic fallout.
Dienogest stands out as a synthetic progestin. In human terms, it fills a critical role in treating gynecological disorders. People struggling with endometriosis often face pain that disrupts daily life, and conventional hormone therapies don’t fit all bodies. Dienogest lowers estrogen’s effect by slowing down its production, which can help shrink endometrial tissue and reduce pain. For contraception, its inclusion in birth control pills allows for a combination that works with fewer side issues. Physicians often lean toward it when patients look for medication that treads lightly on lipid profiles and skin or hair conditions, compared to more androgenic alternatives.
Anyone who’s held dienogest in their hand sees a white or off-white crystalline powder. It doesn’t dissolve easily in water, but it dissolves well in alcohol and organic solvents. The molecular formula, C20H25NO2, sheds light on its steroid backbone and the presence of a cyanomethyl group that distinguishes it among progestins. For pharmacology, this setup affects the way the body absorbs and uses the compound, as well as its interaction with hormone receptors. Stability under normal conditions adds to its appeal, as both manufacturers and pharmacies value a product that resists degradation in storage.
Tablets and oral formulations require precision in their dosing. Dienogest products distributed worldwide stick to clear, regulated specifications: 2 mg in single-ingredient therapies for endometriosis, 2 mg with 30 mcg ethinylestradiol for contraceptives. Labeling must spell out not only active ingredients and strengths but potential allergens and storage needs. In practice, that labeling reflects international collaboration, as guidelines come from the European Medicines Agency, U.S. FDA, and local agencies. Readable, complete labels help both professionals and patients avoid dosing errors or surprises with excipients.
The origin story of a drug goes beyond patents and blueprints. Dienogest synthesis happens by orchestrating multiple organic reactions around the steroid skeleton. Scientists rely on stepwise introduction of the cyanomethyl group and careful control over isomer formation. Each intermediate and reagent comes with its own quirks—reaction conditions, temperature, and purity make a difference. Down the line, filtration and crystallization steps bring the substance into a fit state for blending in pharmaceutical mixes. The process uses standard equipment found in any serious pharma lab, but QC checks ensure that only pure, stable product ends up on pharmacy shelves.
Dienogest’s chemical backbone allows room for research into analogs and derivatives, although the unique cyanomethyl group sets it apart from many 19-norprogestins. Scientists have examined ways to attach radiolabels for metabolic studies, or tailor the molecule’s substituents to shift receptor potency or tweak half-life. Not all attempts bear fruit for commercial or medical uses, but the chemistry reflects a larger drive: find molecules that deliver precise, targeted actions and minimize off-target effects. The path from bench to bedside passes through these experimental modifications.
Dienogest appears under several names. Some of these include STS-557, but in the real world, most people encounter it as Visanne® for endometriosis or as part of Natazia® and Qlaira® combined oral contraceptives. The use of brand names matters beyond sales—it changes how patients identify and discuss their medication with doctors and pharmacists. Synonyms sometimes show up in scientific papers or raw material invoices, emphasizing the need for clarity, especially for cross-border medicine safety.
Pharmaceutical safety goes deeper than a clean manufacturing line. Workers and suppliers follow strict protocols to avoid contamination and uphold GMP rules. Dienogest poses low direct hazards in production, but repeated contact without proper PPE can irritate the skin or respiratory tract. Downstream, doctors rely on a full safety profile: most patients tolerate it well, but manufacturers must include clear warnings about rare but serious risks such as blood clots or mood changes. Constant monitoring of adverse events through pharmacovigilance keeps the focus on patient well-being.
Gynecologists use dienogest most often for endometriosis, especially in cases that recur after surgery or resist other hormone treatments. Patients see relief from daily pain, less reliance on narcotics, and sometimes avoid more invasive procedures. The drug’s contraceptive role matters equally. By partnering with ethinylestradiol, it forms a new-generation birth control option that avoids some drawbacks of older progestins. Beyond these major uses, researchers are probing possibilities for managing hormone-dependent tumors or preserving fertility for women with chronic gynecological issues. Off-label explorations reflect the confidence earned by its predictable action and solid clinical data.
Pharma R&D teams always chase better answers to daily realities for patients. Studies run the gamut from exploring dienogest’s impact on bone density during long-term use, to how it affects ovulation suppression across different populations. These trials shape updated recommendations for younger or older women, or those with other health conditions. Drug interactions form a major field, since contraceptives face countless metabolic and antibiotic influences. Each round of trial data improves not just information for new drugs, but updating the way clinicians match therapy to lifestyle and comorbidity factors.
Animal studies and human experience both shape the understanding of dienogest’s safety. Acute toxicity sits well below dangerous thresholds, even in cases of accidental overdose. Chronic animal exposure studies over months and years looked hard for signs of carcinogenicity or reproductive risk. Regulators and medical societies keep this research ongoing, especially given public scrutiny of hormone drugs. Key fact: doses in marketed products stay far under the amounts that caused changes in lab animals. Real-world surveillance pays attention to liver, cardiovascular, and psychological effects, and updates to drug guidance reflect this continuous learning loop.
Patients live longer, seek individualized care, and expect both safety and freedom from chronic symptoms. Dienogest’s chemical and clinical profile offers a model for future drugs aimed at delicate hormone balancing. Scientists hope to fine-tune delivery methods, perhaps by pairing it with new estrogenic partners or using slow-release devices. Global health organizations see an ongoing health burden in endometriosis, and for that reason keep funding research to compare dienogest to surgical and non-hormonal options. Data from emerging economies may reshape awareness of access barriers and cultural perceptions, too. As priorities shift toward less invasive, more tailored therapies, the experience gained with dienogest points toward fuller patient choice, more targeted treatments, and stronger safety data from a growing and diverse group of users.
People get puzzled when they hear the name dienogest for the first time. This compound isn’t as recognizable as aspirin or ibuprofen, but it plays a big role in women’s health—especially for women who face the chronic pain and disruption of endometriosis. At its core, dienogest is a type of synthetic hormone, made to behave like progesterone. Most folks first come across dienogest because their doctor suggests it for endometriosis. This condition happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain, heavy periods, and sometimes fertility troubles.
Dienogest helps by tackling the hormonal environment in the body. It reduces the activity of estrogen, which endometriosis tissue depends on to grow and cause trouble. By shifting the balance, dienogest slows down the growth of those lesions, easing symptoms for many women. Reduced pain levels and lighter periods show up as real-world results. For many, this hormone pill means fewer sick days, less need for painkillers, and a shot at getting daily life back on track.
Taking dienogest is a long-haul decision. People start and often stay on it for months or even years. The routine can feel similar to taking birth control pills, since both involve swallowing a tablet each day. Some folks notice their periods become lighter, and a few stop bleeding altogether, but side effects can sneak up. Mood changes, headaches, and spotting rank among the most common. For many, these feel minor compared to the pain of untreated endometriosis. Still, no one likes compromise where their health is concerned, so honest conversations with a trusted provider make a difference in sticking with the medication or switching out.
Compared to older treatments like GnRH agonists or high-dose progestins, dienogest has a lighter touch with bone health and menopause-like symptoms. The risk of bone loss stays lower, which matters a lot for young women. Sticking with the same medicine for a long stretch also beats frequent trips to clinics or tough withdrawal side effects. Countries in Europe and Asia have used dienogest longer than the U.S., but studies consistently show it works as well as traditional options and comes with fewer day-to-day disruptions.
Lots of women still fall through the cracks because endometriosis often gets diagnosed late. Raising public awareness that painful periods aren’t just “part of being a woman” should matter as much as finding new treatments. Insurance coverage plays a role too—there’s still work to be done to get every patient access to meds like dienogest without sky-high out-of-pocket costs. Digital health tools and telemedicine visits can help more women stay in touch with specialists, track side effects, and adjust their regimen if needed. Support from patient groups has made a big impact in the last decade, and doctors need to keep listening to real stories from women trying these treatments.
No one wants to take medication long-term without hope for something better. Ongoing research is searching for new drugs that work with fewer side effects and offer more freedom from pain. In the meantime, dienogest opens doors for people who feel stuck between agony and options that don’t fit with their lives. It shows what’s possible when science and lived experience meet, supporting a path toward more effective, personalized care.
Dienogest, a synthetic hormone, often comes up in doctor’s offices for treating endometriosis or as part of some birth control pills. With anything affecting hormones, there’s a range of day-to-day changes people notice. For those starting or considering dienogest, curiosity about its side effects feels pretty natural.
Irregular bleeding or spotting ranks high among complaints. Unlike the clockwork schedule with some contraceptives, periods often show up unexpectedly, sometimes lighter, sometimes heavier, or just skip a cycle altogether. This can frustrate anyone juggling busy schedules or family plans. I remember a friend who had to keep backup pads in every bag—work, gym, car—just so she wouldn’t get caught off guard.
Breast tenderness enters the picture for some, too. Similar to what people feel before their period, it can show as soreness or swelling. Some women tell me their shirts get zipped up a little more carefully on dienogest compared to before.
Changes in mood deserve notice. Anything that shifts hormones has a chance of tweaking emotional balance. Some women find themselves getting irritated easily, or feel a little gloomier. Speaking from experience, that emotional see-saw can sneak up, especially during stressful weeks, which makes support from friends or family a real asset.
Weight gain can trouble some people on dienogest, though researchers find it only in a fraction of users. One published review estimates rates of bloating or weight shift between one in ten or one in twenty women. Still, changes in appetite or water retention add up. Sleep and daily movement can help, but expectations work best if managed up front.
Headaches, sometimes mild and other times sharp, show up fairly frequently. Hydration and regular meals take the edge off for many. For anyone with a history of migraines, reporting new patterns to a healthcare provider helps sort out whether the medicine plays a part or if it’s just coincidence.
Some report acne or oily skin. Hormones run many of the skin’s oil-producing engines, so breakouts are not rare, especially in the early months of treatment. Dermatologists sometimes recommend gentle cleansers and patience—skin often settles down after two or three cycles.
Severe side effects rarely happen, but ignoring real warning signs risks bigger trouble down the road. Blood clots remain a remote possibility—so leg pain, swelling, sudden chest pain, or trouble breathing mean the doctor needs a call right away. Most women use dienogest without serious problems, but a little vigilance makes all the difference.
For folks dealing with endometriosis, pain relief or lighter periods can’t come soon enough. Dienogest brings a genuine option for many people, but no medication comes without trade-offs. Checking in with healthcare professionals for honest conversations about risks and benefits beats sorting through rumors online. Using a daily journal helped me remember side effects, notice patterns, and offer real info to my doctor—not just impressions.
Real-life stories show medicine’s impact more clearly than any list of symptoms. Sharing honest experiences, sticking to the facts, and staying in touch with healthcare providers support smarter choices, whether starting dienogest or weighing alternatives.
Dienogest shows up in medicine cabinets mainly for treating endometriosis and for use in certain birth control pills. Many doctors recommend it because it aims to ease pain and slows the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. I’ve met folks who feel relief after years of tough symptoms, so it’s easy to see why getting the dosing right is not just a clinical detail, but a path toward feeling human again.
Dienogest comes in tablet form, usually 2 mg. The usual approach means taking one tablet around the same time every day, with or without food. Consistency counts more than anything—your body likes routine, and hormones definitely do. Missing doses can throw off symptom control and increases the risk of spotting or breakthrough bleeding. I once skipped two days by accident and felt cramps creep back; this simple pill schedule really does make a difference.
Doctors always press the point: don’t double up on doses to make up for a missed tablet. Taking more doesn’t solve the problem—it only raises the chance of side effects. If you forget, swallow the missed dose soon as you remember, except if you’re close to your next one. In that case, just move forward with the regular timing. Keeping blister packs by your toothbrush or setting a phone alarm can turn remembering into a non-issue.
No one enjoys reading prescription inserts full of side effects, but knowing what’s possible helps. Some people feel headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, or changes in their bleeding pattern. These symptoms tend to fade after a few weeks. Still, persistent pain, heavy bleeding, or sudden mood swings deserve a call to your healthcare provider. Your body’s story counts more than any sheet of paper.
According to guidelines from groups like ESHRE and ACOG, Dienogest used over long periods seems well-tolerated and effective. Studies show that regular use reduces endometriosis pain and isn’t linked with major bone loss or dangerous blood clots for most women, though each person’s history matters. People with a history of blood clots, certain cancers, or liver disease should talk things over with their doctor before starting. Personal health stories shape the best plan, clinics shouldn’t treat people like numbers.
If side effects show up, open communication with your healthcare provider makes a key difference. Sometimes switching the time of day helps, or addressing other health factors like stress and diet improves how the body handles hormones. If cost or pharmacy access blocks a steady supply, ask your doctor about generics or assistance programs—going without isn’t a safe option. For tech-savvy types, medication tracking apps can provide a nudge right when doses matter most. Community support groups also give away realistic tips and encouragement that make the process less lonely.
Dienogest gives real relief to people managing chronic pain, and getting the routine down isn’t just about the drug—it’s about showing up for yourself every day. Any treatment works best with honest conversations, reminders, and a willingness to notice your own patterns. Good medicine starts with paying attention and feeling empowered to adjust what isn’t working. That’s something worth holding onto, no matter what the prescription says.
Dienogest turns up in a lot of doctor’s offices, mostly among people dealing with endometriosis or persistent menstrual pain. As a synthetic progestin, it helps regulate the body’s hormone levels, keeping symptoms from spiraling out of control. For many, daily tasks become manageable again once pain settles down. That’s a huge relief for anyone who remembers days spent stuck in bed, worrying if tomorrow might bring the same.
People don’t just use this drug for a week or two. Chronic diseases bring chronic medication, so concerns about long-term safety make sense. Medical research backs up short-term benefits, but folks can get nervous reading through package inserts about possible bone loss or mood swings. Studies tracking users over several years give some reassurance. For instance, a 2021 review in Human Reproduction found that bone mineral density drops only a bit, and often stabilizes with regular check-ups or small lifestyle tweaks. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology points out that most side effects, like occasional spotting, headaches, or weight gain, show up quickly if they do at all.
Anyone considering staying on Dienogest for years will hear about its effects on bones and hormones, but health isn’t “one size fits all.” Young women with family history of osteoporosis may want to schedule bone scans more often. Those with sensitive stomachs sometimes mention minor digestive trouble. From what patients and doctors say in real-world practice, it’s rare to see serious issues forcing a stop, but regular check-ins help spot trouble early. Blood tests can rule out liver problems and screen for anemia; these offer peace of mind, especially if fatigue creeps up.
Talking to women who use Dienogest year after year brings out stories that don’t always match the statistics. Some say moods feel flatter, even though the numbers on the scale or bloodwork look fine. Others mention “foggy” thinking at first, but describe an adjustment period and then feeling mostly back to normal. Every body reacts differently, and patient voices bring facts to life. In my own family, a cousin tackled severe endometriosis with Dienogest and found it far preferable to invasive surgery or monthly agony. Her mood improved with constant exercise, plenty of calcium, and keeping a journal of symptoms to share with her doctor.
Experts lean on routine screening and open conversations. Bone health matters—calcium and vitamin D help, and weight-bearing exercise stays on the list of recommendations. Sharing any odd symptoms early lets doctors tweak the plan or suggest switching meds if any warning signs pop up. Keeping a log of changes, asking about scans, and periodic blood tests all help reduce unknowns. It’s worth remembering that untreated endometriosis carries serious risks too, including organ damage and infertility.
For patients, sifting through scare stories and mixed messages online isn’t easy. Sticking to sources with good grounding in science—peer-reviewed articles, guidelines from respected organizations, specialists with experience—makes a difference. I always encourage asking questions until everything makes sense. Managing a chronic condition like endometriosis means more than just swallowing a pill; it’s about collaborating with your care team and knowing what the journey ahead might look like.
Dienogest has earned a reputation as a progestin used for managing endometriosis and some other gynecological conditions. The medication controls pain and reduces endometrial growth. I have seen many women find relief through this drug, especially those who struggle with severe menstrual issues and pelvic pain caused by endometriosis. It can genuinely improve the daily lives of those who need it. The question comes up all the time, though: What happens when pregnancy is possible, or a baby arrives?
If a pregnancy is in the picture, take extra care with any medication—especially hormones like dienogest. Evidence shows that taking dienogest during pregnancy doesn’t help the mother or the unborn child, and use can increase the risk to the fetus. Research points out that hormones like progestins can interfere with fetal development during the first trimester. International guidelines—such as those from the European Medicines Agency—make it clear: stop using dienogest once pregnancy is confirmed. The body changes during pregnancy, hormone levels spike up and down, and introducing outside hormones like dienogest throws things off balance.
Pregnancy support groups echo the same advice: Let your doctor know about every medication you take. Many people discover their pregnancy while on dienogest, which causes worry. The standard recommendation is to stop dienogest and speak directly with your healthcare provider. Obstetricians base this advice on facts, not just opinions—studies haven’t ruled out birth defects or other problems linked to progestins, so the cautious path stands as the smart one.
After childbirth, breastfeeding presents its own questions about medication safety. Any drug you take can wind up in your breast milk. Dozens of studies show that progestins like dienogest pass through to babies who breastfeed. Healthcare professionals worry about what even small hormone amounts mean for a newborn’s health. Many guidelines—like those from the American Academy of Pediatrics—suggest steering clear of dienogest for women who breastfeed. Babies’ developing bodies don’t process these hormones well, which can have unknown impacts on their growth or reproductive systems.
Many new mothers juggle pain from endometriosis and want solutions that let them nurse safely. Open conversations with doctors lead to individualized plans. In some cases, short courses of other pain relief or non-hormonal options help mothers without putting infants at risk.
If you take dienogest and want to become pregnant—or discover you already are—set up a check-in with your doctor as soon as possible. Pharmacists, OB-GYNs, and family doctors all get questions like this every week. They rely on years of medical data showing better health for moms and babies without unneeded hormones during pregnancy.
Always let your care team know if you’re breastfeeding before picking up a new prescription. Alternative approaches do exist. Trusted resources—like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European health authorities—offer up-to-date guidance rooted in science and practical experience.
The topic feels personal for many families. I’ve seen friends and patients struggle to sort through mixed messages or outdated information online. Take charge of your health by talking to a doctor you trust. The safest path means no dienogest during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Care decisions should come from open conversations, access to reliable facts, and concern for both mother and child.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | (17α)-17-Hydroxy-3-oxo-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-21-carbonitrile |
| Other names |
STB030840
17α-Cyanomethyl-17β-hydroxyestra-4,9-dien-3-one |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈɛnəˌdʒɛst/ |
| Preferred IUPAC name | (17α)-17-Hydroxy-3-oxo-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-21-nitrile |
| Other names |
Dienogestum
DNG 17α-Cyanomethyl-17β-hydroxyestra-4,9-dien-3-one |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈɛn.oʊ.dʒɛst/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 65928-58-7 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | C1CC2=C(C=C(C=C2)OC)C(=O)C3(C1=CC=C3)CC#C |
| Beilstein Reference | 2423503 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:10132 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2106059 |
| ChemSpider | 4445342 |
| DrugBank | DB08899 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.116.331 |
| EC Number | EC 3.2.1.37 |
| Gmelin Reference | 116977 |
| KEGG | D06422 |
| MeSH | D009046 |
| PubChem CID | 119069 |
| RTECS number | HG9810000 |
| UNII | 71FM31879U |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID101349837 |
| CAS Number | 65928-58-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 136328 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:4547 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2105931 |
| ChemSpider | 5464096 |
| DrugBank | DB08899 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.094.822 |
| EC Number | EC 3.2.1.1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 85706 |
| KEGG | D03566 |
| MeSH | D005912 |
| PubChem CID | 103145 |
| RTECS number | HF9565000 |
| UNII | C448608A4X |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C20H25NO2 |
| Molar mass | 312.429 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 3.68 |
| Vapor pressure | 3.82E-13 mmHg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.63 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 4.82 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -12.2e-6 cm^3/mol |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 0.86 cP |
| Dipole moment | 3.53±0.30 D |
| Chemical formula | C20H25NO2 |
| Molar mass | 312.429 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble in water |
| log P | 3.7 |
| Vapor pressure | 4.11E-10 mm Hg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.44 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 4.82 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -10.6e-6 cm³/mol |
| Dipole moment | 3.25 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 263.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -98.5 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6968 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 285.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -186.3 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6882 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | G03DB08 |
| ATC code | G03DB08 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause hormonal disturbances, venous thromboembolism, liver dysfunction, and mood changes. |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling: Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) |
| Pictograms | Rx; GSL; RMM; NA |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H351: Suspected of causing cancer. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately. Use only as directed by a healthcare professional. |
| Flash point | 155.2°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (rat, oral): > 2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Mouse oral > 2000 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 2 mg daily |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Unknown |
| Main hazards | May cause endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and potential liver effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling of Dienogest: "Not classified as hazardous according to GHS |
| Pictograms | Rx;C |
| Signal word | No signal word |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. For oral use only. Use only as directed by a physician. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | NFPA 704: 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 110.2 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (rat, oral): >2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Dienogest: "1000 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 2 mg daily |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
17α-Methyl-δ⁹-progesterone
Norethisterone Methylestradiol 3-Ketodesogestrel Nomegestrol acetate |