Gynecologic Pharmacology Flashcards
What is the primary source of circulating estrogen in premenopausal women?
Ovarian estradiol
Ovarian estradiol is the most active form of estrogen produced in premenopausal women.
What is the role of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
Secreted by the corpus luteum; exerts negative feedback on gonadotropins
If conception occurs, progesterone maintains the endometrium; if not, its secretion ceases, leading to menstruation.
What is the effect of estrogen and progesterone on FSH and LH secretion during most of the menstrual cycle?
They exert negative feedback
In midcycle, estrogen causes positive feedback, leading to an FSH and LH surge.
Which receptors do estrogen and progesterone bind to in target cells?
Estrogen Receptors (ERs) and Progesterone Receptors (PRs)
These receptors are part of a superfamily that includes various steroid and thyroid hormone receptors.
What is the primary mechanism of action for pharmacologic estrogens and progestins?
They mimic the actions of endogenous hormones
This provides both therapeutic effects and potential adverse effects.
What are the common routes of administration for estrogens and progestins?
Oral, parenteral, and other routes
Oral bioavailability is generally low due to extensive first-pass metabolism.
What is a significant adverse effect of estrogen use?
Increased risk of venous thromboembolism
Risk factors include older age, smoking, and hypertension.
How do combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) prevent ovulation?
By preventing FSH and LH release
Progestin’s negative feedback reduces GnRH pulse frequency, inhibiting follicle development.
What is the effect of progestin-only contraceptives on uterine bleeding?
They may reduce or eliminate uterine bleeding
Progestins also thicken cervical mucus and slow egg movement through fallopian tubes.
What is the impact of hormonal contraception on menstrual bleeding patterns?
Phasic, extended-use, and continuous-use can affect unscheduled bleeding and spotting
Unscheduled bleeding is common at the start of therapy and often decreases over time.
What is the primary metabolic pathway for estrogens?
Extensive first-pass metabolism by CYP3A4
Estrogens undergo glucuronidation and sulfation before excretion.
What happens to the corpus luteum if conception does not occur?
It regresses and progesterone secretion ceases
This leads to the onset of menstruation.
Fill in the blank: Estradiol, conjugated equine estrogens, and esterified estrogens are used in _______.
menopausal hormone therapy
These estrogens help in the prevention of osteoporosis and reducing fracture risk.
True or False: Estrogen and progesterone are lipophilic compounds.
True
This property affects their absorption and distribution in the body.
What is the role of inhibins and activins in the menstrual cycle?
Inhibins inhibit and activins activate FSH secretion
They are produced by granulosa cells in response to FSH.
What triggers ovulation during the menstrual cycle?
The LH surge caused by peak estrogen levels
This occurs after the dominant follicle develops.
What are the major estrogens produced in women?
- 17-β estradiol
- Estrone
- Estriol
These estrogens have different roles throughout the menstrual cycle and in various physiological states.
What is the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis responsible for?
Regulating gonadotropin secretion and ovarian hormone production
This axis controls the menstrual cycle and reproductive functions.
What is the main source of estrogen production in postmenopausal individuals?
Aromatase in adipose stromal tissue converts androstenedione synthesized in adrenal glands to estrone.
What are the primary actions of estrogen at the genomic level?
Estrogen binds to ERs in the nucleus, dimerizes, and binds estrogen response elements, recruiting co-activators and/or co-repressors.
What are the nongenomic actions of estrogen?
Activated ERs on the plasma membrane increase cyclic AMP and activate proteins like MAPK.
What systemic effects does estrogen have?
Estrogen has neuroprotective effects, reduces mood fluctuations, is cardioprotective, and protects against bone loss.
Fill in the blank: Estradiol is converted to _______ and then to estriol.
Estrone
What triggers ovulation in the menstrual cycle?
The peak estrogen level stimulates a surge in LH and FSH release.