Anagestone acetate

Anagestone acetate is a progestin medication which is used in hormone therapy. It is a synthetic, steroidal progestin of the 17α-hydroxyprogesterone group and an agonist of the progesterone receptor, the biological target of progestogens like endogenous progesterone. Anagestone acetate has weak glucocorticoid activity and no other important hormonal activity.

Pharmacology

Anagestone acetate, similar to other progestins, works primarily by inhibiting the secretion of the hormones gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, which in turn decreases the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary, thereby preventing ovulation.

Medical uses

Anagestone acetate is used in the treatment of menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and amenorrhea. It is also used as a component of menopausal hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Side effects

The most common side effects of anagestone acetate include nausea, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, and weight gain. Less common side effects include headache, dizziness, and depression.

History

Anagestone acetate was developed by the pharmaceutical company Hoyt Chemical Works and was first introduced for medical use in the United States in 1965.

See also

• List of progestogens
• List of steroidal antiandrogens