Estrogen and progestin

Steroid hormones can be subdivided into sex hormones (androgens, estrogens, and progestins) and corticosteroids (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids). 

Estrogens and progestins are diminished in menopausal or ovarectomized women. In hormone replacement therapy (HRT), these hormones are substituted to alleviate hot flushes, mood changes, sleep disorders, and osteoporosis. 

Estrogens and progestins (combination oral contraceptives) are used as oral contraceptives. There are three types of estrogen and progestin combination oral contraceptives monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic. The monophasic oral contraceptives provide a fixed dose of estrogen and progestin throughout the cycle The biphasic and triphasic oral contraceptives deliver hormones similar to the levels naturally produced by the body (Table 52-1). 

Oral contraceptives containing both an estrogen and progestin are used as an alternate treatment for moderate acne in women. Contraceptive agents currently FDA approved for this indication include norgestimate with ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate with ethinyl estradiol. 

Monophasic OCs contain the same amounts of estrogen and progestin for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo. Biphasic and triphasic pills contain variable amounts of estrogen and progestin for 21 days and are followed by a 7-day placebo phase. 

Follicular Growth and Ovulation, Estrogen and Progestin Production... 

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