gonads

ethinyl estradiol

steroidal estrogen analog. It us used to treat hypogonadism, post menopausal therapy, dysmenorrhea, oral contraception. It has to be given analog with progesterone

breast tenderness, GI issues, cardiovascular effects, electrolyte imbalance, hypertriglyceridemia

side effects of estrogens

thromboembolism, tumors dependent on estrogen, smoker above age 35, liver disease, pregnancy, medications that activate CYP450, antibiotics

contraindications of estrogens

tamoxifen

selective estrogen receptor modulator. It is an antagonist for estrogen in the breast tissue and an agonist for estrogen in the endometrium. It can’t be used for an extended period of time. It is used to treat breast cancer that is sensitive to hormones

endometrial tumors

additional side effect of tamoxifen that is not a side effect of other estrogens

raloxifen

SERM. antagonist of estrogen in the breast tissue and agonist of estrogen in the bones. It decreases LDL levels. It is mainly used for breast cancer prevention and is a second line osteoporosis drug

mestranol

steroidal estrogen analog used as oral contraception

Levonorgestrel

Progestin that is given PO. It is given along with estrogen as a contraceptive. Other uses include treatment of irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, infertility, replacement hormone in menopause

acne, hirsutism, headache, libido changes, uterine bleeding, weight gain, depression, hyperkalemia

side effects of levonorgestrel

norgestimate

Progestin given PO. It is used as a contraceptive when given with estrogen, also to treat irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, infertility not caused by ovulation issues, replacement hormone in menopause

headache, uterine bleeding, libido changes, weight gain, depression, hyperkalemia

side effects of norgestimate

clomiphene

SERM given PO. It is a partial estrogen agonist and increases GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus. It causes ovulation and is given along with hMG, hCG, and GnRH. It used to treat fertility problems that are caused by problems with ovulation

Flutamide

androgenic antagonist given PO. It prevent testosterone from binding to receptors and is used to treat prostate cancer, BPH, and alopecia in men

Anastrozole

Aromatase inhibitor. It stops the creation of estrogen by blocking the aromatase enzyme. It is used to treat breast cancer