Steroidal antiandrogen: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:59, 16 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Steroidal antiandrogens are a class of medications that act as androgen receptor antagonists. They are used primarily in the treatment of conditions related to androgen excess, such as prostate cancer, hirsutism, and acne. Unlike non-steroidal antiandrogens, steroidal antiandrogens are structurally related to steroids and often have additional hormonal activities.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Steroidal antiandrogens work by binding to the androgen receptor, thereby preventing testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from exerting their effects. This blockade reduces the stimulation of androgen-dependent tissues, which is beneficial in conditions like prostate cancer where androgens promote tumor growth.

Clinical Uses[edit]

Steroidal antiandrogens are used in various clinical settings:

Prostate Cancer: They are used to reduce androgenic stimulation of prostate cancer cells, slowing the progression of the disease.
Hirsutism and Acne: By reducing androgenic activity, these medications can help manage excessive hair growth and acne in women.
Transgender Hormone Therapy: They are sometimes used in transgender women to reduce masculinizing effects.

Examples[edit]

One of the most well-known steroidal antiandrogens is Cyproterone acetate. It is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, severe acne, and hirsutism. Cyproterone acetate also has progestogenic activity, which can contribute to its therapeutic effects.

Side Effects[edit]

The use of steroidal antiandrogens can lead to several side effects due to their hormonal activities. Common side effects include:

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Steroidal antiandrogens''' (SAAs) are a type of [[antiandrogen]] that are structurally related to the [[steroid]] hormones. They act by blocking the effects of [[androgens]] like [[testosterone]] and [[dihydrotestosterone]] (DHT) in the body, which they do by preventing androgens from binding to the [[androgen receptor]].
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Steroidal Antiandrogen}}
-== Mechanism of action ==
+== Overview ==
-SAAs work by competing with androgens for binding to the androgen receptor. By occupying the receptor, they prevent androgens from binding to it and exerting their biological effects. Some SAAs, like [[cyproterone acetate]] and [[spironolactone]], also have additional actions. For instance, they can suppress androgen production by the [[adrenal glands]] and [[ovaries]].
+[[File:Cyproterone_acetate.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Cyproterone acetate]]
+Steroidal antiandrogens are a class of medications that act as [[androgen receptor]] antagonists. They are used primarily in the treatment of conditions related to [[androgen]] excess, such as [[prostate cancer]], [[hirsutism]], and [[acne]]. Unlike non-steroidal antiandrogens, steroidal antiandrogens are structurally related to [[steroids]] and often have additional hormonal activities.
-== Uses ==
+== Mechanism of Action ==
-SAAs are used in the treatment of various androgen-dependent conditions. These include [[prostate cancer]], [[hirsutism]] (excessive hair growth in women), [[acne]], [[seborrhea]] (oily skin), [[androgenic alopecia]] (male-pattern hair loss), and certain types of [[transgender hormone therapy]].
+Steroidal antiandrogens work by binding to the androgen receptor, thereby preventing [[testosterone]] and [[dihydrotestosterone]] (DHT) from exerting their effects. This blockade reduces the stimulation of androgen-dependent tissues, which is beneficial in conditions like prostate cancer where androgens promote tumor growth.
+== Clinical Uses ==
+Steroidal antiandrogens are used in various clinical settings:
+* '''Prostate Cancer''': They are used to reduce androgenic stimulation of prostate cancer cells, slowing the progression of the disease.
+* '''Hirsutism and Acne''': By reducing androgenic activity, these medications can help manage excessive hair growth and acne in women.
+* '''Transgender Hormone Therapy''': They are sometimes used in [[transgender]] women to reduce masculinizing effects.
 == Examples ==
-Examples of SAAs include [[cyproterone acetate]], [[spironolactone]], [[medroxyprogesterone acetate]], and [[megestrol acetate]]. These drugs are all also [[progestogens]], and have other actions in addition to their antiandrogen activity.
+One of the most well-known steroidal antiandrogens is [[Cyproterone acetate]]. It is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, severe acne, and hirsutism. Cyproterone acetate also has progestogenic activity, which can contribute to its therapeutic effects.
+== Side Effects ==
+The use of steroidal antiandrogens can lead to several side effects due to their hormonal activities. Common side effects include:
-== Side effects ==
+* [[Gynecomastia]]
-Side effects of SAAs can include [[gynecomastia]] (breast development in males), [[sexual dysfunction]], and [[depression]]. Some SAAs, like spironolactone, can also cause [[hyperkalemia]] (high potassium levels), which can be dangerous.
+* [[Liver dysfunction]]
+* [[Fatigue]]
+* [[Weight gain]]
-== See also ==
+== Related Pages ==
-* [[Nonsteroidal antiandrogen]]
+* [[Androgen receptor]]
-* [[Androgen deprivation therapy]]
+* [[Prostate cancer]]
-* [[Antiandrogen]]
+* [[Cyproterone acetate]]
+* [[Hirsutism]]
+* [[Acne]]
 [[Category:Antiandrogens]]
 [[Category:Steroidal antiandrogens]]
-[[Category:Endocrinology]]
-[[Category:Pharmacology]]
-[[Category:Transgender and medicine]]
-{{stub}}