Hormones & contraceptives
Estrogens and progestins
Contraception, menopause symptoms, hormone replacement, and some hormone-sensitive cancers.
Supplies or blocks estrogen and progestin signals depending on the goal.
The 10 hormones & contraceptives in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Estradiol | Estrace | menopause symptoms |
| Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone | Loestrin / Junel FE | birth control |
| Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate | Ortho Tri-Cyclen / Sprintec | birth control, acne |
| Progesterone | Prometrium | HRT, amenorrhea |
| Testosterone | AndroGel | hypogonadism (low T) |
| Norethindrone | Aygestin | amenorrhea, endometriosis |
| Ethinyl Estradiol / Levonorgestrel | Seasonale / Aviane | extended-cycle birth control |
| Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol | Yaz / Yasmin | birth control, acne, PMDD |
| Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel | NuvaRing | birth control (vaginal ring) |
| Anastrozole | Arimidex | breast cancer (postmenopausal) |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleCombined products contain both an estrogen and a progestin.
- check_circleProgestin-only options exist for patients who can't take estrogen.
- check_circleThe vaginal ring is refrigerated by the pharmacy before dispensing.
- check_circleA missed-dose plan differs by product, so the package instructions matter.
Combined hormonal contraceptives carry a boxed warning about serious cardiovascular events in smokers over 35.
Estrogen-containing products share the smoking-and-age warning. Progestin-only products do not.
Drill hormones & contraceptives the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What drugs are in the hormones & contraceptives class? add
Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone, Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate, Progesterone, Testosterone, Norethindrone, Ethinyl Estradiol / Levonorgestrel, Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel, Anastrozole. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are hormones & contraceptives used for? add
Contraception, menopause symptoms, hormone replacement, and some hormone-sensitive cancers.
How do hormones & contraceptives work? add
Supplies or blocks estrogen and progestin signals depending on the goal.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.