Reproductive System Pharmacology – High-Yield Summary (First Aid 2025)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Reproductive System Pharmacology notes.

Estrogens (ethinyl estradiol, DES, mestranol)

MOA: bind estrogen receptors; clinical uses include hypogonadism, ovarian failure, and menstrual abnormalities; adverse effects include endometrial carcinoma and thromboembolism.

Tamoxifen

SERM with antagonism at the breast and agonism at bone/uterus; increases risk of endometrial carcinoma and thromboembolism.

Raloxifene

SERM that acts as an agonist at bone and antagonist at breast/uterus; does not increase risk of endometrial carcinoma.

Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane)

Inhibit peripheral conversion of androgens to estrogen; used for ER-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Progestins (levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, etonogestrel, megestrol)

Bind progesterone receptors; decrease endometrial growth, promote vascularization of endometrium, thickens cervical mucus.

Antiprogestins (Mifepristone, Ulipristal)

Competitive inhibitors of progestins; used for termination of pregnancy and emergency contraception.

Combined estrogen + progestin oral contraceptives

Inhibit LH/FSH, preventing ovulation.

Progestin-only pills

Thicken cervical mucus and inhibit sperm motility and implantation.

Copper IUD

Local inflammatory reaction toxic to sperm/ova; adverse effects include heavier periods and dysmenorrhea.

Emergency contraception

High-dose levonorgestrel or ulipristal; copper IUD is the most effective form.

Testosterone / methyltestosterone

Androgens; agonists at androgen receptors; adverse effects include masculinization, premature closure of the epiphyseal plate, increased LDL, decreased HDL.

Finasteride

5α-reductase inhibitor; decreases DHT; used for BPH and male-pattern baldness.

Flutamide

Nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist; used for prostate carcinoma.

Bicalutamide

Nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist; used for prostate carcinoma.

Ketoconazole

Inhibits steroid synthesis (17,20-desmolase); used for PCOS.

Spironolactone

Inhibits steroid binding; used for PCOS; adverse effects include gynecomastia and amenorrhea.

Tocolytics (terbutaline, ritodrine)

β2-agonists that relax the uterus and decrease contractions.

Danazol

Partial androgen agonist; used for endometriosis and hereditary angioedema; adverse effects include weight gain, acne, hirsutism, hepatotoxicity.

Tamsulosin

α1A/1D selective antagonist; relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck; used for BPH.