Moxestrol

Moxestrol is a synthetic, steroidal estrogen that was developed for medical use but is no longer marketed. It is an estrogen receptor agonist, and hence, an estrogen itself. Moxestrol is a derivative of estradiol, the major endogenous estrogen in humans. It is specifically a derivative of ethinylestradiol, which is estradiol with an ethynyl group at the C17α position.

Chemistry

Moxestrol, also known as 11β-methoxy-17α-ethynylestradiol, is a synthetic estrane steroid and a derivative of estradiol. It is more specifically a derivative of ethinylestradiol and is a member of the family of ethinylestradiol derivatives, which also includes mestranol, quinestrol, and chlorotrianisene.

Pharmacology

As an estrogen, moxestrol has similar effects in the body as other estrogens. It has strong estrogenic effects and weak antiestrogenic effects. Moxestrol binds to the estrogen receptor and activates it, resulting in estrogenic effects in the body. It has been found to have high affinity for the estrogen receptor and to be a full agonist of the receptor.

History

Moxestrol was developed in the 1960s and was introduced for medical use by 1968. However, it is no longer marketed and hence is no longer available for use.

Society and culture

Moxestrol was marketed under the brand name Ovestin among others. It was available as an oral tablet and was used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, gynecological disorders, and certain hormone-sensitive cancers.

See also

• List of estrogens
• List of estrogen esters