Estriol phosphate

Estriol phosphate

Estriol phosphate is a form of estriol, a naturally occurring estrogen that is used in hormone therapy. It is a phosphate ester of estriol, which means it has a phosphate group attached to it. This modification allows for improved stability and longer-lasting effects compared to estriol alone.

Pharmacology

Estriol phosphate acts as an agonist of the estrogen receptor, a type of nuclear receptor that is activated by the binding of an estrogen. When estriol phosphate binds to the estrogen receptor, it causes a change in the receptor's shape that allows it to interact with specific regions of DNA, leading to changes in the expression of certain genes. This can result in a variety of effects, including the development and maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and maintenance of pregnancy.

Clinical use

Estriol phosphate is used in hormone therapy for conditions such as menopause and osteoporosis. It can help to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss that are associated with low estrogen levels. It is typically administered orally or by injection.

Side effects

Like other forms of estrogen, estriol phosphate can have side effects. These can include nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. It is therefore important for patients to be monitored closely while receiving this medication.

See also

• Estrogen
• Hormone therapy
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis