Estrone phosphate

Estrone phosphate is a natural, steroidal estrogen and a phosphoric acid ester of estrone that is formed in the liver and that circulates in the blood. It is one of the three major naturally occurring estrogens, the others being estradiol and estriol.

Chemistry

Estrone phosphate, also known as estrone 3-phosphate, is a synthetic, steroidal estrogen and a phosphoric acid ester of estrone. It is an estrogen ester and a prodrug of estrone in the body. Estrone phosphate is a white or almost white, crystalline powder or colorless crystals. It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96 per cent) and in methanol, sparingly soluble in acetone.

Pharmacology

Estrone phosphate is a prodrug of estrone, and is converted into estrone in the body. It has a much longer duration of action and half-life than estrone due to its improved lipid solubility and resistance to metabolism.

Medical uses

Estrone phosphate is used in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms and low estrogen levels in women, and in hormone therapy for transgender women.

Side effects

Like all estrogens, estrone phosphate has a variety of potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fluid retention, edema, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood changes.

See also

• List of estrogen esters
• List of estrogens