Ethinyl estradiol
EE
Pronunciation: ETH-i-nil es-tra-DYE-oel
“Vinyl estradiol”
found in combo oral contraceptives
What it isSynthetic estrogen; the estrogen component of combined contraceptives.
Why this oneIts metabolic stability gives reliable cycle control at very low doses.
What limits itVTE, stroke and myocardial infarction, sharply higher with smoking over 35. Enzyme inducers cause contraceptive failure.
FDA-approved for
- contraception (~1960)
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events over age 35
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Defining liabilityThromboembolism and estrogen-dependent endometrial stimulation
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