Sex Hormones: Hormonal Contraception and Hormone Replacement Therapy
January 2019
estradiol progesterone 5α-dihydrotestosterone hormonal contraception hormone replacement therapy synthetic ER agonists synthetic PR agonists ethinylestradiol gestagens levonorgestrel desogestrel mifepristone steroid-5α reductase inhibitors androgenic alopecia clomiphene cyproterone DHT micropill minipill Proscar Propecia
TLDR Hormonal contraceptives and therapies regulate organ functions and treat various conditions.
The document discussed the roles of key sex hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone, in regulating various organ functions and their use in hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy. It highlighted the use of synthetic ER and PR agonists in contraceptives like the micropill and minipill, which contain combinations of ethinylestradiol and gestagens such as levonorgestrel or desogestrel. These contraceptives work by inhibiting ovulation and altering cervical secretions and the endometrium. The document also mentioned the use of mifepristone as an abortifacient and steroid-5α reductase inhibitors in treating androgenic alopecia and BPH. Additionally, it covered the application of clomiphene to induce ovulation and cyproterone for conditions like hypersexuality and severe acne.