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Progestins

Meaning

Progestins are a class of synthetic steroid hormones that exhibit biological activity similar to the endogenous hormone progesterone. These compounds are structurally diverse, leading to variations in their potency and their capacity to interact with other steroid receptors, such as androgen, estrogen, and glucocorticoid receptors. Clinically, progestins are indispensable components of hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy. Their specific pharmacological profile dictates their clinical utility and potential side effect profile, requiring careful selection by the prescribing clinician.