Pharmacodynamics of oestrogens and progestogens.

Article Details

Citation
Copy to clipboard

de Lignieres B, Silberstein S

Pharmacodynamics of oestrogens and progestogens.

Cephalalgia. 2000 Apr;20(3):200-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.2000.00042.x.

PubMed ID
10997774 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

The ovaries cyclically secrete estradiol and progesterone. Cyclic ovarian estradiol secretion is associated with a bone-saving and vascular protection effect. Endogenous progesterone does not modify the vasodilator effect of oestrogens. At physiological concentrations, the natural sex steroids have low antigonadotropic effects. More potent synthetic derivatives with more antigonadotropic effects were synthesized in the 1950s. After the menopause, there is no longer any need to use hormonal steroids as antigonadotropics. In addition, vascular contraindications are more common in an older population. Contraceptive steroids (particularly ethinyl estradiol) are therefore rarely used. The oestrogen that is most widely prescribed for post-menopausal replacement is a complex formulation of conjugated oestrogens of equine origin that is administered orally in a single daily dose. Improvements in hormone replacement therapy may result from the use of parenteral estradiol (providing sufficient doses are reached) and of a progestogen chemically more similar to progesterone.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs