Estriol tripropionate

Estriol tripropionate is a synthetic, steroidal estrogen that is used in hormone therapy. It is a derivative of estriol, one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body. Estriol tripropionate is not used in its pure form, but is instead combined with other substances to create a variety of pharmaceutical products.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Estriol tripropionate is a tripropionate ester of estriol. This means that it is estriol that has been chemically modified by the addition of three propionate groups. The addition of these groups increases the lipophilicity of the molecule, which can enhance its absorption and distribution in the body.

Pharmacology

Estriol tripropionate acts as an agonist of the estrogen receptor, a type of nuclear receptor that is activated by the hormone estrogen. When estriol tripropionate binds to the estrogen receptor, it mimics the effects of natural estrogen in the body. This can have a variety of effects, depending on the tissue in which the receptor is located.

Clinical Use

Estriol tripropionate is used in hormone therapy for conditions that are caused by a deficiency or imbalance of estrogen, such as menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and certain types of breast cancer. It is also used in the treatment of vaginal atrophy, a condition that can occur in postmenopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen levels.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Like all medications, estriol tripropionate can cause side effects. These can include nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects, such as blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer. Estriol tripropionate is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as in individuals with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer or thromboembolic disorders.

See Also

• Estrogen
• Hormone therapy
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Breast cancer
• Vaginal atrophy