Question

Which of the following is a synthetic progesterone ?

• A. Norethindrone
• B. Novestrol
• C. Estradiol
• D. Testosterone

Hint:

Synthetic hormones are often structurally similar to natural hormones but with modifications to alter their potency, duration of action, or route of administration. Progestins are synthetic compounds with progesterone-like activity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand what synthetic progesterone is.
Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. Synthetic progesterones are compounds designed to mimic the effects of natural progesterone and are often used in birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and other medical treatments. They are also known as progestins. Step 2: Analyze each option. \begin{itemize} \item (1) Norethindrone: Norethindrone (also known as norethisterone) is a synthetic progestin. It is widely used in oral contraceptives and for treating gynecological disorders. It is a derivative of testosterone but acts as a progestin. \item (2) Novestrol: This name does not correspond to a commonly known or established synthetic progesterone or any major hormone. It might be a misspelling or an unfamiliar term in this context. Assuming it's a distractor. \item (3) Estradiol: Estradiol is a natural estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. It is not a progesterone or a synthetic progesterone. \item (4) Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone (androgen). It is not a progesterone. \end{itemize} Step 3: Identify the synthetic progesterone.
Based on the analysis, Norethindrone is a well-known synthetic progesterone (progestin).