Alfatradiol
Alfatradiol
Alfatradiol (pronounced al-fa-tra-diol), also known as 17α-estradiol or as 17-epiestradiol, is a steroidal weak estrogen and potent 5α-reductase inhibitor used topically in the treatment of androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in men and women. It is a stereoisomer of the endogenous steroid hormone estradiol.
Etymology
The term "Alfatradiol" is derived from the Greek words 'alfa' and 'estradiol'. 'Alfa' is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and 'estradiol' is a type of estrogen steroid hormone. The '17α' in 17α-estradiol refers to the configuration of the hydroxyl functional group at the 17th carbon position on the steroid ring system.
Pharmacology
Alfatradiol is applied topically, which means it is applied directly to skin. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone primarily responsible for androgenic alopecia.
Related Terms
- Androgenic alopecia: A common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male-pattern baldness.
- 5α-reductase: An enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
- Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid.
- Estradiol: An estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone. It is involved in the regulation of the estrous and menstrual female reproductive cycles.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alfatradiol
- Wikipedia's article - Alfatradiol
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