An estrogen synthesis inhibitor is a type of drug which inhibits the enzymatic synthesis of estrogens, such as estradiol. They include:
+Types of estrogen synthesis inhibitorsClassTargetActionAromatase inhibitorsCYP19A1inhibit the synthesis of estrogens from androgensCYP17A1 inhibitors 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyaseinhibit the synthesis of androgens and therefore estrogens3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors3β-HSDinhibit the synthesis of progestogens and of more-potent androgens, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of estrogensCholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme inhibitors P450SCC/CYP11A1inhibit the synthesis of pregnenolone from cholesterol, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of most steroid hormones (which are derived from pregnenolone) including estrogens17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors17β-HSD inhibit the interconversion of estrogens, including the synthesis of estradiol from the less-potent estroneSteroid sulfatase inhibitorsSTS inhibit the conversion of inactive estrogen sulfates into active estrogens like estradiol Inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis can also reduce estrogen production by inhibiting cholesterol production.
Estrogen synthesis inhibitors have medical applications in the treatment of breast cancer, precocious puberty, gynecomastia, and hyperestrogenism, among other estrogen-dependent conditions.
See also Steroidogenesis inhibitor Androgen synthesis inhibitor Progesterone synthesis inhibitor
References