Mestranol/hydroxyprogesterone acetate

Combination hormonal medication

Mestranol/hydroxyprogesterone acetate
Chemical structure of Mestranol (top) and Hydroxyprogesterone acetate (bottom)

Mestranol/hydroxyprogesterone acetate is a combination medication used in the past for hormonal therapy. It combines two active ingredients: mestranol, an estrogen, and hydroxyprogesterone acetate, a progestin. This combination was primarily used for contraception and hormone replacement therapy.

Pharmacology

Mestranol is a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, meaning it is converted into ethinylestradiol in the body. Ethinylestradiol is a potent estrogen that works by inhibiting ovulation and causing changes in the cervical mucus and endometrial lining, making it less suitable for implantation.

Hydroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestin that mimics the effects of progesterone. It works by suppressing the secretion of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, which prevents ovulation. It also induces changes in the endometrium that make it less receptive to a fertilized egg.

Medical Uses

The combination of mestranol and hydroxyprogesterone acetate was used for:

• Contraception: To prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and altering the uterine lining.
• Hormone replacement therapy: To alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Side Effects

Common side effects of mestranol/hydroxyprogesterone acetate include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain

Serious side effects may include:

• Increased risk of thrombosis
• Hypertension
• Liver dysfunction

History

Mestranol/hydroxyprogesterone acetate was developed in the mid-20th century as one of the early forms of oral contraceptives. However, it has largely been replaced by newer formulations with improved safety profiles and fewer side effects.

See Also

• Oral contraceptive formulations
• Ethinylestradiol
• Progesterone
• Hormone replacement therapy