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). Anovlar is no longer produced.

More recent innovations include the introduction of Kyleena^® (19.5mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) a low-dose, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine delivery system which was launched in the UK in 2018.

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.

Bayer’s innovations in women’s health timeline:

1960 - Present Day