Abstract
Recent clinical evidence showing unexpected side-effects of progestins used in contraception and hormone replacement therapy has highlighted the importance of choice of synthetic progestin. The molecular mechanisms of action of the relatively nonspecific and most widely used synthetic progestins, medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone, are discussed in the context of this recent clinical evidence. Future directions involving a more mechanism-based approach for improved therapeutics, with greater specificity and fewer side-effects, are discussed.
MeSH terms
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Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / adverse effects
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Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / chemistry
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Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / pharmacology*
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Humans
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Medroxyprogesterone / adverse effects
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Medroxyprogesterone / chemistry
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Medroxyprogesterone / pharmacology
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Norethindrone / adverse effects
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Norethindrone / analogs & derivatives*
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Norethindrone / chemistry
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Norethindrone / pharmacology
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Progesterone Congeners / adverse effects
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Progesterone Congeners / chemistry
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Progesterone Congeners / pharmacology*
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Structure-Activity Relationship
Substances
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Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic
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Progesterone Congeners
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Medroxyprogesterone
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norethindrone enanthate
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Norethindrone