Reproductive Steroids

Question 1

Oral contraceptives

Answer 1

Combined pill - inhibits ovulation. Oestrogen and progestin. Taken for 21 days and then stopped for 7.
Absorbed orally. Metabolised by the liver and excreted in bile.

Adverse affects - MI and stroke, hypertension, VT, link to breast cancer.

Mini Pill - progesterone only. Alters cervical mucus and endometrium to prevent implantation. Inhibits ovulation. Taken continuously.

Depot - medroxprogestorone. Lasts 3 months. Nausea /vomiting side effects.

Drug interactions: both interact with hepatic enzyme inducers. Some antibiotics have the same effect. Amoxycillin, ampicillin and doxycycline reduce the effect.

Question 2

HRT

Answer 2

Oestrogen pill - prevents osteoperosis in post menaupausal women. Increases oestrogen levels.

increased risk of cancer

Question 3

Tamoxifen

Answer 3

Oestrogen levels - breast cancer treatment. oestrogen receptor antagonist. treats breast cancer by blocking oestrogen - have hot flushes and GI tract problems.

Question 4

Clomiphene

Answer 4

Fertility treatment - oestrogen antagonist at receptors in hypothalmus.