Female Reproductive Pharmacology Flashcards
Major Functions of the Reproductive Hormones
- faciltate human growth
- development, maturation and function of the reproductive system
Hormones act via two types of receptors: those that act at [] to modulate gene transcription and those that act at the [].
Hormones act via two types of receptors: those that act at nuclear receptors to modulate gene transcription and those that act at the classic G-protein coupled receptors.
The major source of GnRH is released from [].
The major source of GnRH is released from the preoptic nucleus.
The modulation of hormones can be done at a number of different levels:
- directly at receptors on target tissues
- altering the synthesis or breakdown of hormones
- altering the feedback loops established in areas of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis
[] most potent of the human estrogens used for:
17beta-estradiol (estradiol) most potent of the human estrogens used for:
- Contraceptive agent
- Hormone replacement therapy
- PCOS
- Hirsutism
- Severe acne
- Hypogonadism
Estrogen Receptors
- Estrogens act via 2 slightly different nuclear receptors alpha and beta estrogen receptors (αER and βER)
- And a 3rd G-protein receptor called GPR30
The use of estrogen will [] [] the release of [] and [] preventing ovulation.
The use of estrogen will inhibit the mid-cycle surge of gonadotropin secretion from the hypothalamus decreasing the release of LH and FSH preventing ovulation.
Estrogen…what is it good for?
- developmental actions, especially around puberty
- neuroendocrine control of the menstrual cycle
-regulating the GnRH pulsatile release from the hypothalamus. This GnRH activity of the hypothalamus plays an important role on the gonadotropin cells of the anterior pituitary and the release of FSH (follicle development) LH (ovulation and estrogen levels)
•variety of effects on the reproductive tract
-ovarian function, fallopian tubes function, cervical mucus activity
•f metabolic effects outside of the reproductive tract, but are very important in things like cardiovascular function
-premenopausal women have a significant reduction in the incidence of coronary disease due to estrogen altering lipid function (primarily increase HDL and decrease LDL)
- healthy bone growh by increasing osteoblast function
- increased production of nitric oxide that may increase perfusion of organs such as the central nervous system (e.g., menopause with decreased estrogen may cause adverse cognitive effects)
The α-nuclear receptors are largely in the female [] , whereas the β nuclear receptors are found in [,]. The GPR30 receptors are widely distributed in many tissues including the [].
The α-nuclear receptors are largely in the female reproductive tracts, the breasts and hypothalamus, whereas the β nuclear receptors are found in brain, bone, heart, lungs intestinal mucosa, endothelial cells and ovarian granulosa cells. The GPR30 receptors are widely distributed in many tissues including the female reproductive organs.
The main estrogen used in contraceptives is [].
The main estrogen used in contraceptives is ethinyl estradiol.
Side Effects of Estrogen
- alterations in female reproductive organs (i.e., vaginal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, breast cancer, etc.)
- cardiovascular effects (i.e., chest pain, DVTs, stroke, etc.)
- gastrointestinal effects (i.e., nausea, cramps, diarrhea, gastritis, etc.)
- skin problems (i.e., chloasma, hirsutism, pruritus, etc.)
- adverse effects on the eyes including retinal vascular thrombosis
- CNS effects (i.e., headache, migraine, mental depression anxiety, irritability, etc.)
Estrogen based therapy is contraindicated in patients with:
- stroke or prior thromboembolic event
- estrogen dependent tumor
- pregnancy
- hypertriglyceridemia
- smokers >35YO
- should be avoided in women with migraines with aura and/or poorly controlled hypertension.
Progestin is a synthetic molecule that mimics the [] of the body.
Progestin is a synthetic molecule that mimics the endogenous progesterones of the body
Physiological actions of progestin’s will:
- shut off the GnRH pulse
- hypothalamic function
- decrease FSH and LH release which is crucial for ovulation to occur
Extra reproductive effects of progesterone:
- body temperature regulation
- increase minute ventilations
Progestin Receptors
- Progestin acts via two slightly different nuclear receptors A and B receptors ( PRA and PRB)
- They are found in a number of tissues including the female reproductive system and hypothalamus however, much less is known about the progesterone receptor function and locations as compared to estrogen receptors.
- Progestin compounds are also metabolized by the liver and can be given by multiple routes similar to estrogen compounds.
When would a patient need Progesterone only contraceptive pills (POCP)?
- breast-feeding women, smokers over the age of 35 and some women with migraines.
- Effectiveness varies and is not as reliable as the COCP with periods often becoming irregular.
- Contraceptive injections of Progesterone only (Depo-Provera®, Noristerat®) and implants (Nexplanon®) have also been used with much more effectiveness than the oral form lasting a longer period of time.
Mechanism of Action of COCP (Estrogen and Progesterone receptor agonists)
•cause the Suppression of ovulation by causing a negative feedback to HP axis
- Decreased frequency of GnRH pulses
- Suppression of LH and FSH production
- Inhibition of mid-cycle LH surge, suppression of ovulation
•As well as, Thickening of cervical mucus preventing sperm entry to upper genital tract (more due to progestin products)
Ethinyl Estradiol
- Estrogen receptor agonist
•Often the estrogen found in birth control combined with progesterone
Ethinyl Estradiol Side Effects
- Nausea
- vomiting
- cramps
- headache
- breast tenderness
- change in sexual desire
- mid-cycle (breakthrough) bleeding/spotting
- increase CV events (thrombi)
Ethinyl Estradiol Contraindications
- ER-positive breast cancer
- history of DVTs
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- hypertriglyceridemia
- diabetes
- smokers >35YO
- women with migraines with aura
Mestranol
- Prodrug of Ethinyl Estradiol
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
- Estrogen receptor agonist
- NO LONGER USED AS OC!
- advanced androgen-dependent prostate cancer
- advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Side Effects
- vaginal and breast cancer
- teratogen
- “DES daughters & sons” with abnormalities of the vagina, cervix, uterus & fallopian tubes, low sperm count, CNS disorders
Progesterone analogs (Norethindrone, Norgestrel, Ethynodiol Diacetate-Continuin® , Drospirenone–Yasmin® , Gestodone, etc.)
- Progesterone receptor agonist
- Often the combined with estrogen as oral contraceptives
Progesterone analogs Side Effects
•periods often becoming irregular
Progesterone only contraceptive pills (POCP) are for patients with:
•breast-feeding women, smokers over the age of 35 and some women with migraines
Progesterone only contraceptive pills (POCP) Side Effects
- Effectiveness varies
- irregular periods
- GI disturbances contraceptive injections of
- Progesterone have been used with much more effectiveness than the oral form lasting a longer period of time.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- These include many differing doses of synthetic estrogen and progesterone combinations
- Mechanism of action (Estrogen and Progesterone receptor agonists) Suppression of hot flashes, osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism