Antiestrogens
Antiestrogens
Antiestrogens (pronounced: an-tee-es-tro-jens) are a class of drugs that inhibit the effects of estrogen in the body. They are often used in the treatment of hormone receptor positive breast cancer and other conditions where estrogen plays a significant role.
Etymology
The term "antiestrogen" is derived from the prefix "anti-", meaning against, and "estrogen", the primary female sex hormone. Thus, "antiestrogens" are substances that act against the effects of estrogen.
Mechanism of Action
Antiestrogens work by binding to the estrogen receptor, thereby preventing estrogen from binding and exerting its effects. There are two main types of antiestrogens: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs).
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
SERMs, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, bind to the estrogen receptor and change its shape, which prevents estrogen from binding to the receptor.
Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)
AIs, such as anastrozole and letrozole, work by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens in the body.
Uses
Antiestrogens are primarily used in the treatment of hormone receptor positive breast cancer. They may also be used in the treatment of infertility in women, as they can stimulate ovulation. In addition, they are sometimes used in men to treat conditions such as gynecomastia and prostate cancer.
Related Terms
- Estrogen
- Estrogen receptor
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
- Aromatase Inhibitors
- Tamoxifen
- Raloxifene
- Anastrozole
- Letrozole
- Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Infertility
- Gynecomastia
- Prostate cancer
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiestrogens
- Wikipedia's article - Antiestrogens
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