Table 1

Oestrogen-related compounds commonly used in clinical practice

CategorisationDrugRoutes of administrationClinical applicationsEffects on the endometriumOther adverse reactions
OestrogenNatural oestrogen17β-E2 Oral, transdermal or vaginal administrationPremenstrual syndrome
Perimenopause syndrome
Osteoporosis
Premature ovarian insufficiency
Amenorrhoea
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Prostate cancer
Postmenopausal advanced breast cancer
Alzheimer
Acne
Endometrial hyperplasia
Endometrial cancer (prolonged unopposed oestrogen exposure)30
Gastrointestinal reactions, water and sodium retention, thromboembolism, etc
Estriol
CEE
Synthetic oestrogenEthinylestradiolOral
Nilestradiol
PhytoestrogenIsoflavoneOralPerimenopause syndrome
Obesity
Hyperglycaemia
Osteoporosis
Oxidative stress52
No endometrial cancer risk35 Uterine fibroids in premenopausal women36 Suppresses thyroid function (controversial)53
Oestrogen-related regulatorSERMTamoxifenOralBreast cancerWeak oestrogen-like effect
Endometrial hyperplasia
Endometrial cancer54
Gastrointestinal reactions, visual disturbances, hair loss, etc
BazedoxifeneOralPostmenopausal osteoporosisOestrogen antagonist
Protecting against E2-induced endometrial hyperplasia9
Rarely55
STEARTiboloneOralPerimenopause syndrome
Vasomotor symptoms (including hot flushes and night sweats)
Anxiety and/or depression
Urogenital atrophy
Osteoporosis
Sexual dysfunction
Exerting its progestational effects primarily through the Δ4-isomer9 Gastrointestinal reactions, allergic reactions,
increasing recurrent breast cancer rates, increasing stroke rates56
AILetrozoleOralBreast cancer
Male infertility
Female infertility
Endometrial protection
Reducing the risk of recurrent endometrial cancer43
Bone and joint pain, muscle pain and fatigue
  • AI, aromatase inhibitor; CEE, conjugated equine estrogen; E2, estradiol; SERM, selective estrogen receptor modulator; STEAR, selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator.