Selective estrogen receptor modulators and phytoestrogens: new therapies for the postmenopausal women.
Estrogen deficiency in the postmenopausal woman results in numerous symptomatic and asymptomatic manifestations, including vasomotor symptoms, osteoporosis, heart disease, bladder and vaginal symptoms, and cardiovascular disease. Estrogen replacement therapy is associated with amelioration of these problems but has attendant risks. A newer class of drugs, the selective estrogen receptor modulators, provides both estrogen agonist and antagonist properties, depending on the target tissue. This article discusses the mechanism by which selective estrogen receptor modulators may vary in their end-organ effects and reviews the clinical studies associated with these compounds. Phytoestrogens are widely used in the United States, but little information is available regarding their potential long-term effects.
Fitzpatrick
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LA
Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition, and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester 55905, USA.
D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000819:agonists*; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028321:Plant Preparations; D017698:Postmenopause; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000187:drug effects*; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D004967:Estrogens; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D010880:Piperidines; D028321:Plant Preparations; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013629:Tamoxifen; C038345:droloxifene; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride