Mestranol
Mestranol
Mestranol (pronounced: mes-truh-nawl) is a synthetic, steroidal estrogen that was used in oral contraceptives. It is a prodrug of ethinylestradiol.
Etymology
The term "Mestranol" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which is a methyl ether of estradiol.
Usage
Mestranol was used in some of the first oral contraceptives. It is a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, meaning it is converted into ethinylestradiol in the body. Mestranol is no longer used in clinical practice, but it played a significant role in the development of oral contraceptives.
Pharmacology
Mestranol is a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, and it is converted into ethinylestradiol in the body. Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic estrogen that is more potent than natural estrogens. It works by inhibiting the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, which prevents ovulation.
Related Terms
- Ethinylestradiol: A synthetic estrogen used in many formulations of combined oral contraceptive pills.
- Prodrug: A medication or compound that, after administration, is metabolized into a pharmacologically active drug.
- Estrogen: A group of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body.
- Oral contraceptive: A method of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mestranol
- Wikipedia's article - Mestranol
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