TYPICAL USAGE: Synthetic steroidal compound with Estrogenic activity. Menopause (Hormone replacement therapy). Oral contraception. Threatened or habitual abortion. Dysmenorrhea. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Failure of ovarian development. Hirsuitism. Senile osteoporosis. Post menopausal osteoporosis. Breast cancer. Prostatic carcinoma. Suppression of post partum lactation. Senile vaginitis. Delayed puberty in girls. Acne (Not usually given).

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Estrogens diffuse into their target cells and interact with a protein receptor. Target cells include the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary. Estrogens increase the hepatic synthesis of hormone binding globulin (SHBG), thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), and other serum proteins and suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary.