Estradiol - Estradiol Medication

Estradiol Medication

Estrogen is marketed in a number of ways to address issues of hypoestrogenism. Thus, there are oral, transdermal, topical, injectable, and vaginal preparations. Furthermore, the estradiol molecule may be linked to an alkyl group at C17 (sometimes also at C3) position to facilitate the administration. Such modifications give rise to estradiol acetate (oral and vaginal applications) and to estradiol cypionate (injectable).

Oral preparations are not necessarily predictably absorbed, and are subject to a first pass through the liver, where they can be metabolized, and also initiate unwanted side effects. Therefore, alternative routes of administration that bypass the liver before primary target organs are hit have been developed. Transdermal and transvaginal routes are not subject to the initial liver passage.

Ethinylestradiol, the most common estrogen ingredient in combined oral contraceptive pills, is a more profound alteration of the estradiol structure.

Read more about this topic:  Estradiol