Estrogens, Progestins, and Androgens Pharmacology

Practice fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering sex hormones, combined oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and antiandrogens based on the lecture transcript.

All endogenous steroid hormones are produced by the body from the basic __________ molecule.

cholesterol

The three endogenous estrogenic compounds produced in the highest concentration by the ovaries are estradiol, estrone, and __________.

estriol

Normal estrogen secretion decreases the resorption of bone, so when estrogen levels fall, postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for __________.

osteoporosis

The three estrogen products used in oral contraceptives are ethinyl estradiol, mestranol, and __________.

estradiol valerate

During pregnancy, very large amounts of endogenous progesterone are produced by the __________.

placenta

Combined oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy primarily by preventing __________ and producing an endometrium incompatible with implantation.

ovulation

The most serious adverse risks associated with combined oral contraceptives, such as thromboembolic disease, are directly linked to the __________ dose.

estrogen

Newer progestin agonists such as __________ have antiandrogenic activity, making them beneficial for women prone to acne or hirsutism.

desogestrel

In a classic monophasic 28-day combined oral contraceptive regimen, there are 21 active pills followed by __________ inactive pills.

$$7$$

In a seasonal extended cycle oral contraceptive regimen, active pills are taken continuously for __________ days, followed by a 7-day hormone-free period.

$$84$$

Progestin-only contraceptive pills (the mini pill) are generally reserved for women who have a contraindication to estrogen or who are __________.

breastfeeding

Over-the-counter progestin-only emergency contraception products are effective when taken within __________ hours after unprotected intercourse.

$$72$$

In postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, progesterone must always be added to estrogen in women with an intact uterus to prevent __________.

endometrial carcinoma

The drug __________ is a partial estrogen receptor agonist commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer.

tamoxifen

The aromatase inhibitor __________ decreases circulating estrogen and is used primarily in breast cancer treatment.

letrozole

In peripheral tissues, testosterone is converted into estradiol by the enzyme __________.

aromatase

Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme __________.

five alpha reductase

Oral administration of testosterone is generally avoided due to a short half-life, hepatic side effects, and high __________ metabolism.

first pass

The 5-alpha reductase inhibitor __________ reduces dihydrotestosterone levels within eight hours and is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness.

finasteride

The antiandrogen agent __________ acts as an androgen receptor antagonist and is primarily used for prostate cancer.

flutamide

In patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, __________ specific antagonists decrease prostate smooth muscle contraction to help with urinary symptoms without reducing prostate size.

alpha one