Lecture 60: Pharmacology of Sex Hormones Flashcards
what are the 4 receptor superfamilies
- ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic receptors)
- G-protein-coupled receptors (metabotropic)
- kinase-linked receptors
- nuclear receptors
give examples of ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic receptors)
- nicotinic
- ACh receptor
give examples of G-protein-coupled receptors (metabotropic)
- muscarinic
- ACh receptor
give example of kinase-linked receptors
cytokine receptors
give example of nuclear receptors
oestrogen receptor
what receptor superfamily do sex hormones (steroids) bind to
superfamily 4 - nuclear receptors
why do we need to use synthetic compounds when giving female sex hormones
natural estradiol and progesterone have a large 1st pass effect orally (low bioavailability)
give examples of synthetic compounds of female sex hormones used
oestrogen = ethinyloestradiol (EE) progesterone = levonorgestrol, norethisterone
what are some of the main ways to classify female contraceptive choices
- hormonal/non hormonal
- routes
what are the most widely used form of temporary contraception and most efficacious
hormonal contraceptives
what are some of the routes of contraceptive
- oral
- injected
- implant
- intrauterine (emergency contraception)
what is often the first line hormonal contraceptive (if it can be prescribed)
combined oestrogen and progesterone
how can combined oestrogen and progesterone contraceptive be administered
- mostly combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP e.g. micogynon)
- patches
- vaginal rings
what is the traditional monthly dosage of COCP
21 days on, 7 days off ‘pill free interval’
what are some of the COCP ‘absolute’ contraindications
- migraine with aura
- heavy smoking AND >35yo
- breastfeeding <6 weeks post delivery
- uncontrolled hypertension (>160/100mmHg)
- personal history of VTE/cardio/cerebrovascular disease, current breast cancer
