Sex Hormones and Related Compounds, Including Hormonal Contraceptives

January 2014 in “ Side effects of drugs annual ”

Marta Millán, Santos Castañeda

diethylstilboestrol synthetic estrogen hormonal contraceptives estrogens aromatase inhibitors drospirenone progesterone antagonists testosterone supplementation antiandrogens androgenic alopecia DES birth control pills testosterone therapy hair loss

TLDR Hormonal contraceptives and related compounds can increase health risks like thrombosis and affect sexual function.

The document reviewed various sex hormones and related compounds, highlighting their effects and associated risks. Diethylstilboestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, was linked to increased risks of gynecological and non-gynecological conditions in women exposed in utero. Hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogens, were associated with a weak but clinically relevant risk of thrombotic events. Aromatase inhibitors used in breast cancer treatment were found to negatively impact sexual function. The effects of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives on thrombosis risk were inconclusive. Progesterone antagonists had applications in both gynecological and non-gynecological conditions. Testosterone supplementation in elderly males showed controversial benefits, while antiandrogens were used to treat conditions like prostate cancer in men and androgenic alopecia in women.

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