Identify the hormone from the following.

The correct answer is Option (2) → Novestrol

Birth control pills contain a mixture of synthetic estrogen and progesterone derivatives, both of which are hormones. Novestrol (ethynylestradiol) is the synthetic estrogen derivative used together with a progesterone derivative such as norethindrone in these antifertility drugs. So novestrol is a (synthetic) hormone.

Why the other options are incorrect

• Option (1) Bithional — Incorrect. An antiseptic added to soaps to reduce the odour produced by bacteria on the skin.

• Option (3) Prontosil — Incorrect. The first sulpha drug, an antibacterial; it is converted in the body to sulphanilamide.

• Option (4) Tagamet — Incorrect. Cimetidine, an antacid that blocks histamine at the \( \ce{H2} \) receptors of the stomach wall.

Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.

NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Antifertility Drugs – “… Birth control pills essentially contain a mixture of synthetic estrogen and progesterone derivatives. Both of these compounds are hormones. It is known that progesterone suppresses ovulation. Synthetic progesterone derivatives are more potent than progesterone. Norethindrone is an example of synthetic progesterone derivative most widely used as antifertility drug. The estrogen derivative which is used in combination with progesterone derivative is ethynylestradiol (novestrol).”