Estradiol (17β-estradiol) (also oestradiol) is a sex hormone. Labelled the "female" hormone but also present in males it represents the major estrogen in humans. Estradiol has not only a critical impact on reproductive and sexual functioning, but also affects other organs including bone structure.
Estradiol, like other sex steroids, is derived from cholesterol. After side chain cleavage and utilizing the delta-5 pathway or the delta-4 pathway androstenedione is the key intermediary. Androstendione is either converted to testosterone which in turn undergoes aromatization to estradiol, or, alternatively, androstendione is aromatized to estrone which is converted to estradiol.

DrugDigest: Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol - Information on dosage, usage, side effects, interactions, and drug comparisons including generics when available. Sold under brand names such as: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho-Cyclen, and Sprintec.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen - Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. Features information for US residents and health care providers including product details, prescribing information, FAQs, acne facts, and description of available pill compacts.
Meta Description: [ ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN, the only birth control pill clinically proven to reduce mild to moderate acne ]
| Higher Estrogen Exposure with Ortho Evra Patch (Apr. 2008) | |
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