5α-Dihydronorethisterone

5α-Dihydronorethisterone (also known as 5α-DHN) is a major active metabolite of the synthetic progestin norethisterone. It is formed from norethisterone in the body by the action of 5α-reductase, an enzyme involved in steroid metabolism.

Chemistry

5α-Dihydronorethisterone, also known as 5α-DHN, is a steroid and a derivative of progesterone. It is more specifically a derivative of 19-nortestosterone and is a member of the estrane (C18 steroid) group of steroids. Other related steroids include nandrolone, ethisterone, and levonorgestrel.

Pharmacology

5α-Dihydronorethisterone is a potent progestogen, or an agonist of the progesterone receptor. It has about 3 to 4 times the potency of its parent compound, norethisterone, in terms of progestogenic activity. The metabolite is also an antagonist of the androgen receptor, the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

Clinical significance

The clinical significance of 5α-Dihydronorethisterone is that it contributes to the progestogenic and antiandrogenic activities of norethisterone. This is relevant in the context of the use of norethisterone in hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives.

See also

• List of progestogens
• List of androgen antagonists

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