Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol at the receptor level.

The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone by peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate- conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women.

Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue.

Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) through a negative feedback mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these hormones seen in postmenopausal women.

Synthetic conjugated estrogens, A are soluble in water and are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after release from the drug formulation. The Cenestin tablet releases the synthetic conjugated estrogens, A slowly over a period of several hours. The effect of food on the bioavailability of synthetic conjugated estrogens, A from Cenestin has not been studied.

Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Conjugated Estrogens Following a Dose of 2 x 0.625 mg Cenestin

Brand Name: Cenestin Generic Name: Synthetic conjugated estrogens « Previous Clinical Pharmacology Next » Next: Cenestin - Patient Information » « Previous: Cenestin - Overdosage & Contraindications Bookmark this page: WebMD Resources How Safe Are Your Painkillers Hysterectomy Recovery: What To Expect Easily Distracted? Check Your Symptoms Menopause Myths A generation ago, no one talked about menopause. Today it's openly discussed. But some common menopause myths persist. See more WebMD Videos » Privacy Policy Women's Health Find out what women really need. Experiencing Menopausal Symptoms? Learn More About Menopause Assess Your Symptoms Take Action — Make a Plan Cenestin Drug Description Indications & Dosage Side Effects & Drug Interactions Warnings & Precautions Overdosage & Contraindications Clinical Pharmacology Patient Information Related Drugs Estratest Estring Menest Premarin Premarin Injection Prempro Health Resources Menopause Hormone Therapy Treatment for Hot Flashes Drug News 2008 Election & Health Care on WebMD. Get Informed. Schizophrenia Has a New Shot Treatment Kid Antipsychotics Might Lead to Weight Gain 'Abuse-Proof' OxyContin Nixed by FDA View More » Search the Medical Dictionary for Health Definitions & Medical Abbreviations Updated & New News & Features Identify Your Drugs: Use the RxList Pill Identification Tool Add RxList Search to Your Website Google Subscribed Links & RxList RxList Home|Drugs & Medications A-Z List |Pill Identification Tool |Drug Medical Dictionary |Diseases & Conditions About RxList|Contact RxList|Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy|Sponsor Policy|Site Map WebMD®|MedScape®|eMedicineHealth®|MedicineNet® Copyright © 2008 by RxList Inc. RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.