Ethinylestradiol

Ethinylestradiol (pronounced: eth-in-ill-es-tra-dye-ol) is a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen. It is primarily used in hormonal contraceptives, such as combined oral contraceptive pills, due to its ability to prevent ovulation.

Etymology

The term "Ethinylestradiol" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound. The prefix "ethinyl" refers to the presence of an ethinyl group in the molecule, while "estradiol" is a type of estrogen hormone that the compound mimics.

Usage

Ethinylestradiol is used in many different types of contraceptive pill, including the combined oral contraceptive pill, the progestogen-only pill, and the contraceptive patch. It works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus in the neck of the womb, making it harder for sperm to penetrate into the womb and reach an egg. It also changes the quality of the womb lining (endometrium), making it less likely that a fertilised egg can implant there.

Related Terms

Estrogen: A group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women. Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic form of this hormone.
Contraceptive pill: A type of medication taken by women to prevent pregnancy. Ethinylestradiol is a common ingredient in these pills.
Ovulation: The process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. Ethinylestradiol prevents this process from occurring.
Endometrium: The lining of the uterus. Ethinylestradiol changes the quality of this lining, making it less likely for a fertilised egg to implant.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Ethinylestradiol
Wikipedia's article - Ethinylestradiol

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Ethinylestradiol