Chapter 18: Drugs for Reproductive Health

Menopause

Menstruation & Ovulation no longer occur, along with estrogen secretion.

Symptoms of menopause are caused by

Low estrogen levels and high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone.

Perimenopause

Transition from having regular menstrual period based on hormone cycles to having no menstrual periods for at least a year as a result of reduced hormone levels.

Actions and Uses of Drugs for Menopause Relief

Replaces naturally secreted hormones

Expected side effects of drugs used for menopause relief

Breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, weight gain, fluid retention, and acne.

Adverse effects of Drugs used for Menopause Relief

Slightly higher risk of heart attack, increases blood clotting risk & inappropriate development of thrombi & emboli, & the uterine lining can become thick and bleed excessively.

Actions and Uses of Drugs for Hormonal Contraception

Prevents ovulation & contraception

Expected side effects for hormonal contraception drugs

Breast tenderness/enlargment, nausea, fluid retention, weight pain, & possible breakthrough vaginal bleeding.

Adverse reactions of hormonal contraception drugs

Blood clot formations, fluid & sodium retention, liver toxicity, & promote the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Drug interactions for hormonal contraceptions

Herbal supplements specifically, and many other drugs.

MOA for Androgens

Development of secondary sex characteristics, tissue building.

Androgen uses

Hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, eunuchism, cryptorchidism, oligospermia, and male androgen deficiency.

Expected side effects of Androgens

Edema caused by sodium retention, acne, hirsutism, male pattern baldness, mouth irritation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Adverse reactions of Androgens

Allergic reactions, jaundice, low sperm count, impotence, urinary retention, & gynecomastia.

Increased drug interactions of Androgens

Anticoagulants, antidiabetic agents, & other drugs.

Decreased drug interactions of androgens

Barbiturates

Androgens concurrently used with corticosteroids increases

Edema