Bayer in Women's Health
For almost a century, Bayer has been working to make a positive difference to women’s health through pioneering research and innovation.
In the 1920s, Bayer—then called Schering AG—made a significant contribution to understanding the molecular structure of sex hormones and launched the world's first oestrogen preparation for menopause management. This firmly set Bayer as a pioneer in women’s healthcare and, in 1961, Bayer became the first company to launch a contraceptive pill in Europe, the combined oral contraceptive Anovlar® (norethisterone acetate/ethinylestradiol).
More recent innovations include the introduction of Kyleena® (19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) a low-dose, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine delivery system which was launched in Ireland in 2017.
Just like you, we care about women’s health…
In the 1960s, we were one of the first to launch the contraceptive pill in Europe, giving women more power to choose their own future. Today, we continue to work with women and their clinicians to understand what really matters and where our expertise can help.
You're a lifelong learner. So are we.
Whether you want to master new procedures or join the conversation driving innovation in women’s health, we can help.
You care about delivering the best care. So do we.
We’re always looking for ways to help you to help your patients. At Bayer, we’re beside you all the way.
Bayer’s innovations in women’s health timeline:
- 1960s
First European birth control pill, the combined oral contraceptive Anovlar® (norethisterone/ethinylestradiol). Anovlar is no longer produced.
Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill).
First levonorgestrel-releasing IUS, Mirena® (52mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel), launched in Ireland in 1998.- The first oral contraceptive pill containing the progestogen drospirenone launched in Ireland.
First progestogen-only emergency contraception, Levonelle®* (levonorgestrel) launched in Ireland in 2006.
First pill to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, in the US for women who choose the contraceptive pill for birth control.- First oral contraceptive pill to contain the oestrogen estradiol valerate, an oestrogen that is immediately converted to estradiol in a woman’s body, Qlaira® (estradiol valerate/dienogest) launched in Ireland in 2009.
- First birth control pill approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, Qlaira®.
- Jaydess®▼ (13.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) launched in Ireland in 2014.
- Kyleena® (19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel), a low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing IUS launched in Ireland in 2017.
- Present Day
Bayer offers a number of contraception methods for women, depending on their personal needs. These include:
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