Pharm - Estrogens & Progesterone Flashcards
What are the natural estrogens?
E2: estradiol, the most estrogenic
E1: estrone, less estrogenic
E3: estriol, low activity, metabolite of E2
What are the 3 synthetic steroidal estrogens?
Ethinyl estradiol
Mestranol
Quinestrol
What are the 3 synthetic non-steroidal estrogens?
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
Chlorotrianisene
Methallenestril
What is the role of activin and inhibin?
Both are produced by sertoli and granulosa cells. Inhibins inhibit the release of FSH, activins stimulate the release of FSH.
How does estrogen production differ between the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
During the follicular phase, estrogen comes from ovarian follicles. During the luteal phase, estrogen comes from the corpus luteum. In both cases, aromatase produces estrogen from androgens.
Describe the mechanism of action of estrogen
Estrogen travels through blood bound to SHBG
It diffuses into cells and binds to its receptor in the cytoplasm
Estrogen-receptor complexes dimerize in the nucleus and bind to Estrogen receptor elements of DNA to promote or inhibit transcription of specific genes.
Reproductive functions of estrogen
Female sexual maturation, maintenance of sex characteristics
Neuroendocrine regulation of menstruation, endometrial growth during cycle
Secretion of thin cervical mucus
What is the difference in effect on cervical mucus between estrogen and progesterone?
Estrogen causes secretion of thin cervical mucus, which promotes migration of the ovum and the sperm. Progesterone makes the cervix secrete thick cervical mucus.
What are the metabolic functions of estrogen?
Increase HDL, decreases LDL Increase cholesterol saturation of bile Increase BP via renin substrate Promote thrombosis Decrease bone reabsorption Increased liver protein synthesis
What are the higher CNS functions of estrogen?
Positive effect on mood, cognition/memory (neurotrophic), and protective from ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders
What is the route of administration for estrogen?
Well absorbed orally and transdermally. There is significant first pass metabolism with oral administration.
Major clinical uses of estrogens
Oral contraceptives (Ethinyl estradiol)
Hormone replacement therapy for menopause, delayed puberty, hypogonadism
Treatment for menopause transition years
Treatment of acne
Indications for estrogen therapy
Vasomotor symptoms of menopause
Vulvar and vaginal atrophy
Female hypoestrogenism
Combinations to slow bone loss and osteoporosis
Side effects of estrogen therapy
Venous thrombosis Estrogen alone can cause endometrial hyperplasia, carcinoma Breakthrough bleeding Nausea/vomiting Headache Breast tenderness
Contraindications for estrogen therapy
Breast and endometrial cancers Cerebral vascular coronary artery disease Liver tumor disease Severe hypertension Pregnancy Female smokers over 35 yo Thrombotic disorders
What are SERMs?
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Act as antagonists in some tissues and agonists in other tissues due to estrogen receptor subtype selectivity
What is Tamoxifen?
A SERM used for prevention, palliation and adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.
Antagonist in breast tissue, and partial agonist in endometrium and bone
What are side effects of Tamoxifen?
Malignant neoplasm of endometrium Cataracts Pulmonary embolism Hot flash Abnormal menstruation Vaginal discharge
What is Clomiphene?
A SERM used for female infertility due to ovulatory disorder
Antagonist in the hypothalamus and pituitary (blocks negative feedback) and partial agonist in the ovaries. Increases LH and FSH to stimulate ovulation.
What are the contraindications for SERM treatment?
Pregnancy Thyroid or adrenal dysfunction Liver disease Endometrial carcinoma Ovarian cysts Organic intracranial lesion
What is an advantage of Clomiphene over exogenous FSH treatment?
Clomiphene is not associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
What is Raloxifene?
A SERM used for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Agonist in bone and antagonist in uterus and breast
What are the side effects of Raloxifene?
Retinal vascular occlusion
Venous thromboembolism
Hot flashes
Leg cramps
What are the contraindications for Raloxifene treatment?
Pregnancy
History or presence of venous thromboembolism