Chlormadinol acetate

Chlormadinol acetate (CMA) is a synthetic progestogen that is used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and for the treatment of gynecological disorders. It is a derivative of progesterone, a naturally occurring female sex hormone, and is marketed under various brand names including Lutocylol, Menstridol, and Prostal.

Pharmacology

CMA acts as a potent agonist of the progesterone receptor (PR), the biological target of progestogens. It has a high affinity for the PR and a relatively low capacity to bind to other steroid hormone receptors, such as the androgen receptor and the glucocorticoid receptor. This selectivity makes CMA an effective progestogen with minimal androgenic, estrogenic, or glucocorticoid side effects.

Medical uses

CMA is used primarily in HRT for menopausal women to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It is also used to treat gynecological disorders such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea (absent periods), and endometriosis.

Side effects

The most common side effects of CMA are similar to those of other progestogens and include nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual cycle. Less common side effects can include mood changes, weight gain, and acne.

History

CMA was first synthesized in the 1960s and has been used in clinical practice since the 1970s. It was initially marketed as a standalone progestogen but is now more commonly used in combination with an estrogen in HRT.

See also

• List of progestogens
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Menopause
• Progesterone receptor