Norgestrel was patented in 1961 and came into medical use, specifically in birth control pills, in 1966.[1][2][8] It was subsequently introduced for use in menopausal hormone therapy as well.[4] Norgestrel is sometimes referred to as a "second-generation" progestin.[9] It is marketed widely throughout the world.[5][6] Norgestrel is available as a generic medication.[10] In 2017, the version with ethinylestradiol was the 284th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than one million prescriptions.[11][12]