6 Questions
What is the primary function of estradiol in females?
Promote the development of secondary sex characteristics
How does high levels of estradiol affect the levels of FSH?
Negatively feedback effect leading to reduced FSH levels
What is the consequence of high levels of estradiol on ovulation?
Prevent ovulation
Why is estradiol not suitable for use as an oral birth control?
It is orally inactive and rapidly metabolized by intestinal bacteria and during the first pass effect.
How is the oral inactivity of estradiol overcome in oral contraceptive pills?
By using alpha phase protected ethinyl derivatives.
What is the primary mechanism of action for the contraceptive effect of ethinyl estradiol and mestranol?
-ve feed-back effect on FSH and LH levels, reducing ovulation.
Study Notes
Estradiol in Females
- Primary function of estradiol in females: regulates growth and development of female sexual characteristics, maintains pregnancy, and regulates menstrual cycle
Effects of High Estradiol Levels
- High levels of estradiol decrease FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels via negative feedback mechanism
- Consequence of high estradiol levels on ovulation: inhibits ovulation by preventing LH (luteinizing hormone) surge
Estradiol as Oral Birth Control
- Estradiol is not suitable for use as an oral birth control due to its rapid metabolism and inactivation in the liver, resulting in low bioavailability
- Oral inactivity of estradiol is overcome in oral contraceptive pills by:
- Alkylation at C17 position, which reduces first-pass metabolism and increases bioavailability
- Conversion of estradiol to ethinyl estradiol and mestranol, which are more resistant to metabolism
Contraceptive Effect of Ethinyl Estradiol and Mestranol
- Primary mechanism of action for contraceptive effect: inhibition of ovulation by suppressing FSH and LH secretion, and thickening of cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate
Test your knowledge about the role of estradiol in the female reproductive system, including its impact on primary and secondary sex characteristics, FSH secretion, and contraception.
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