Gonadal Flashcards
(52 cards)
Estrogens
A group of sex steroids including estradiol, estrone, and estriol produced by the ovaries and placenta, playing significant roles in female reproductive physiology.
Progestogens
A class of hormones that includes progesterone, primarily responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining the early stages of pregnancy.
Androgens
Male sex hormones that play a role in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.
Estradiol E2
The principal estrogen in premenopausal women; most potent and produced by the ovary.
Estrone E1
A metabolite of estradiol; has one-third the potency of estradiol and is the primary circulating estrogen after menopause.
Estriol E3
A metabolite of estradiol found in significant amounts during pregnancy; produced by the placenta.
Synthetic estrogen analogs
Have prolonged action and higher potency compared to natural estrogens, such as ethinyl estradiol, mestranol, and estradiol valerate.
Mechanism of Action of Estrogens
Estrogens dissociate from SHBG, enter cells, bind to nuclear receptors, form receptor-hormone complexes, and affect gene expression.
Clinical Use of Estrogens
Used for hormone replacement therapy, contraceptive purposes, and managing symptoms of menopause.
Common Side Effects of Estrogens
Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, thromboembolism, and risk of endometrial cancer.
Major Progestin in Humans
Progesterone is the major progestin responsible for the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for implantation.
Preparations of Progestins
Available in several forms including oral, transdermal, injection, implants, and vaginal forms.
Effects of Progesterone
Maintains uterine lining, prevents spontaneous uterine contractions, supports breast development, and increases body temperature.
Clinical Uses of Progestins
Contraception, hormone replacement therapy, supporting pregnancy, and treating endometriosis.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Include combination oral contraceptives (COCP) and progestin-only pills (POP), used to prevent pregnancy.
Indications for COCP
Used for primary hypogonadism, acne, hirsutism, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis.
Contraindications for COCP
History of thromboembolic disease, estrogen-dependent neoplasms, liver disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
Progestin-only Pills (POP)
Less effective than COCP and recommended for breastfeeding women or those intolerant to estrogen.
Mechanism of Action of Contraceptives
Change cervical mucus, alter uterine endometrium and inhibit ovulation through hormonal feedback.
Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives
Include breast tenderness, headache, fluid retention, thromboembolism, and alterations in lipid metabolism.
Drug Interactions with COCP
Certain enzyme inducers and antibiotics can interfere with COCP absorption and effectiveness.
Long-acting contraceptive forms
Include injectable medroxyprogesterone, transdermal patch, vaginal ring, and intrauterine devices.
Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Involves the administration of low doses of estrogen, with or without progestogens, to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Risks Associated with HRT
Increased risk of thromboembolism, heart disease, and cancers of the endometrium and breast.