pharmacokinetics
Last reviewed 01/2018
Absorption of oestrogens may be via several routes:
- gastrointestinal tract - well absorbed:
- endogenous oestrogens are immediately prone to a large amount of first pass metabolism
- synthetic oestrogens are less prone to degradation
- topically:
- well absorbed from skin
- good absorption from mucous membranes e.g. vaginal via pessaries
Transport of oestrogens occurs after binding to:
- albumin
- sex steroid-binding globulin
Excretion of oestrogens is via oestriol. It is converted to a sulphate or glucuronide and then passed into urine.