[Administration route of natural sex steroids (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone) (author's transl)]

Author(s): Bercovici JP, Darragon T

Affiliation(s): The natural sex steroids (E2, T, P) may be used in therapeutics. Estradiol and testosterone esters (decanoate and undecanoate) may be administered orally. A local effect always follows the percutaneous application of sex steroids, and this is usually accompanied by a systemic effect. But because of the very important metabolism of progesterone by the skin, it is necessary to administer it by other routes (intravaginal, intrarectal) in order to obtain a systemic effect.

Publication date & source: 1980-01-12, Nouv Presse Med., 9(3):179-83.

Publication type:

PIP: The effectiveness of natural steroids administered orally is relatively weak. However, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, may be administered orally, and with better results, when micronized, i.e. in the form of microcrystals (1-3 micron, instead of the usual 100 micron crystals). Intestinal absorption of such steroids can be modified by the esterification of estradiol with deconoic acid, and of testosterone with undeconoic acid. Intravaginal and intrarectal routes can be effectively used for the absorption of estradiol and of progesterone. Percutaneous absorption depends on the solvents favoring the contact between the steroids and the skin; penetration into the skin is, however, slow and limited.