Estetrol (medication)

Estetrol (medication)

Estetrol, also known by its brand name Nextstellis, is a medication used for hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy. It is a naturally occurring estrogen produced only during pregnancy.

Etymology

The term "Estetrol" is derived from the Greek word "oistros", meaning "gadfly, sting, or frenzy", and the suffix "-ol" indicating its status as a chemical alcohol.

Pharmacology

Estetrol is a unique estrogen due to its origin during pregnancy. It is produced by the liver of the fetus. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, meaning it has selective activity at the estrogen receptor.

Medical uses

Estetrol is used in hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy. In contraception, it is combined with drospirenone in a product marketed as Nextstellis.

Side effects

Like all medications, Estetrol can have side effects. These can include nausea, breast tenderness, and menstrual irregularities.

History

Estetrol was first described in 1965 and was introduced for medical use in 2021. It is the first natural estrogen to be introduced for medical use that is not produced in large amounts by women not pregnant.

See also

• Estrogen (medication)
• Selective estrogen receptor modulator
• Hormonal contraception
• Hormone replacement therapy

References

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