[Progestagen use in oral contraception - basic knowledge].
The effects of most prostagens used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and in hormonal contraception are not identical. They differ in their structure, the metabolisation, their bioavailability and their partial activities. Therefore, it does not make any sense to declare that the different progestagens with their different profiles belong to one class of substances, having all the same effect. In function of their partial activities, progestagens are used today specifically for HRT, for hormonal contraception or as an anti-androgen. Because of their metabolic profile, some newer progestagens can be considered to be specifically favourable, such as Norpregnanes, Dienogest and Drospirenone. This review summarizes the properties and partial activities of progestagens used today and analyzes its clinical consequences.
Birkhäuser
Martin
M
Abteilung für gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Frauenklinik, Universitätsspital Bern. martin.birkhaeuser@balcab.ch
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001682:Biological Availability; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D011372:Progestins