17α-Dihydroequilin
Chemical compound
17α-Dihydroequilin is a naturally occurring estrogen and a metabolite of equilin, which is one of the primary estrogens found in conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs). CEEs are used in hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms.
Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
17α-Dihydroequilin is a steroidal estrogen with the chemical formula C18H22O2. It is characterized by its estrane core structure, which is typical of estrogens. The compound is a derivative of equilin, differing by the reduction of the 17-keto group to a hydroxyl group, which is reflected in its name "dihydro".
Biological Activity[edit | edit source]
As an estrogen, 17α-Dihydroequilin binds to and activates the estrogen receptor, which is a nuclear receptor that regulates the expression of genes involved in the development and maintenance of female reproductive tissues, as well as other physiological processes. The binding of 17α-Dihydroequilin to the estrogen receptor leads to the transcription of estrogen-responsive genes, which can influence a variety of biological functions.
Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]
In the body, 17α-Dihydroequilin is metabolized primarily in the liver. It is part of the complex mixture of estrogens present in CEEs, which are derived from the urine of pregnant mares. The pharmacokinetics of 17α-Dihydroequilin, like other components of CEEs, involves absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes that are typical of steroid hormones.
Clinical Use[edit | edit source]
17α-Dihydroequilin is not used as a standalone medication but is a component of CEEs, which are prescribed for the treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and osteoporosis prevention. CEEs are one of the most commonly used forms of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women.
Safety and Side Effects[edit | edit source]
The use of CEEs, including 17α-Dihydroequilin, is associated with certain risks and side effects. These may include an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, thromboembolism, and cardiovascular disease. Patients are advised to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy with their healthcare provider.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
