Endocrine Pharmacology: Female Hormones

A type of medication that acts as both an agonist and antagonist at estrogen receptors, depending on the tissue.

A drug that acts as an antagonist at estrogen receptors, blocking the effects of estrogen in the body.

A medication that partially stimulates estrogen receptors, but can also block their function in some tissues.

A drug that selectively targets the ERα receptor in breast tissue, inhibiting the growth of breast cancer.

A drug that blocks both AF1 and AF2 domains of the estrogen receptor, preventing estrogen's effects.

The hormone replacement therapy dose and duration should be the lowest possible, only as long as needed to achieve the intended therapeutic effect.

Testosterone replacement therapy is designed to avoid breakdown of the hormone in the liver.

Drugs like flutamide block the effects of androgens, which are male hormones, and are specifically used to treat prostate cancer.

Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone into a more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is involved in prostate growth.

Only the 17α-alkylated androgens have the potential to harm the liver.

Testosterone replacement therapy can help manage low testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism (low-functioning testicles).

Side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include acne, mood swings, and potential cardiovascular risks.

Flutamide works by blocking the androgen receptor, preventing testosterone from stimulating prostate cancer cells.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women with an intact uterus includes progestin to prevent endometrial cancer.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen bind to estrogen receptors, acting as agonists in some tissues and antagonists in others.

Tamoxifen is an SERM used for breast cancer treatment and prevention. It has both beneficial and adverse effects.

Clomiphene is an estrogen antagonist used to treat infertility by stimulating ovulation.

Estrogen's mechanism of action involves binding to estrogen receptors, initiating various physiological processes related to female reproductive functions.

Progesterone's mechanism of action involves binding to progesterone receptors, regulating uterine lining growth and preparing the endometrium for pregnancy.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) carries risks including increased risk of thromboembolism, stroke, and breast cancer.

Clomiphene can cause side effects such as hot flashes, headaches, and multiple pregnancies.

Estrogens are a class of hormones that play a key role in female sexual development and reproduction. They are produced primarily in the ovaries and are responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts and body hair, as well as regulating the menstrual cycle.

Estrogens are synthesized from cholesterol via a series of enzymatic reactions. The key enzyme involved is aromatase, which converts androstenedione to estrone. Estrone is then converted to estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen.

Estrogens exert their effects by binding to estrogen receptors (ERs), which are found in various tissues throughout the body. These receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors, meaning that upon binding to estrogen, they initiate the transcription of specific genes leading to different cellular responses.

The production of estrogen is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones, in turn, act on the ovaries to stimulate estrogen production.

Progestins are a group of hormones that play a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries after ovulation, and they are responsible for preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Progestins work by binding to progesterone receptors (PRs), which are found in various tissues, including the uterus, breasts, and brain. Upon binding to progestins, the PRs activate the transcription of genes involved in various physiological processes, including menstrual cycle regulation, pregnancy maintenance, and breast development.

The production of progestins is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. After ovulation, the corpus luteum in the ovaries produces and releases progestins under the influence of LH.

Progestins play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. During pregnancy, they help maintain the pregnancy. They also have various other roles, including breast development, regulation of ovulation, and influencing mood.

The process of converting androgens into estrogens, mainly in the ovaries, adipose tissue, and the placenta.

A group of steroid hormones primarily associated with female sexual development and reproductive function.

A type of estrogen produced mainly by the ovaries during a woman's reproductive years.

An estrogen produced from estradiol or androstenedione in the liver.

A type of estrogen mainly produced in the liver from estradiol.

The primary receptor for estrogen and is involved in regulating female maturation, bone density, and pregnancy.

A synthetic estrogen used in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. It is more potent and resistant to breakdown than natural estrogens.

An important steroid hormone responsible for regulating pregnancy and preparing the uterus for implantation.

The receptor responsible for mediating progesterone's effects in the body. It is present in various tissues like the uterus, breasts, and brain.

A synthetic progesterone used in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, known for its long duration of action. It is also used in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

A group of medications used to prevent pregnancy. They primarily work by preventing ovulation.

A type of hormonal contraceptive that combines estrogen and progesterone. They are used for preventing pregnancy and managing premenstrual symptoms.

They are used to treat hormone deficiency states like menopause and primary hypogonadism. They can also be used to manage conditions related to excessive ovarian androgen secretion.

They block the action of estrogen in some tissues, making them useful for treating breast cancer, infertility, and certain types of hormonal contraception.

A medication that blocks the action of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone by competing for binding sites on the androgen receptor (AR).

A condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women, often associated with hormonal imbalances.

A hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, and often associated with infertility.

A type of medication that blocks the production of testosterone by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase.

A specific 5α-reductase inhibitor used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness.

A specific 5α-reductase inhibitor used to treat BPH and male pattern baldness.

A medication that inhibits the synthesis of testosterone, used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

A specific type of 5α-reductase enzyme found in reproductive tissues.

A specific type of 5α-reductase enzyme found in the skin and liver.

The active form of testosterone, which is more potent than testosterone itself.

A medication that inhibits the production of testosterone by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase. It forms a covalent bond with the enzyme, rendering it inactive.

A medication used in the treatment of BPH and male pattern baldness.

A medication used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

The process of converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

A medication that blocks the action of androgens like testosterone by competing for binding sites on the androgen receptor (AR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR).