[13] NETE is of about 38% higher molecular weight than norethisterone due to the presence of its C17β enanthate ester.

[2] A single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate/norethisterone enanthate (5 mg/50 mg) (Mesigyna) has been found to strongly suppress testosterone levels in men.

[34] A single intramuscular injection of 50 to 200 mg NETE in oil solution has been found to have a duration of action of 11 to 52 days in terms of clinical biological effect in the uterus and on body temperature in women.

[35] In accordance with the low levels of ethinylestradiol produced, no increase rates of thromboembolism or hepatic adenoma have been observed in post-authorization data of intramuscular NETE, and the medication does not resemble combined oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol in its safety profile.

[2][37] Esters related to NETE include norethisterone acetate and levonorgestrel butanoate.

[37][40][41][42] NETE has been approved for use alone as a progestogen-only injectable contraceptive in more than 60 countries throughout the world including in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

[4][10][11] Specific countries in which NETE as a standalone medication is or has been available include Bangladesh, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

[11][12] It is or has been available in combination with estradiol valerate in Argentina, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Lucia, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

[10] NETE was studied by Schering for use as a progestogen-only injectable contraceptive at a dose of 25 mg once a month but produced poor cycle control with this regimen and was not marketed.

[46] NETE has been studied for use as a potential male hormonal contraceptive in combination with testosterone in men.