EE is a synthetic estrogen, or an agonist of the estrogen receptors, the biological target of estrogens like estradiol. It also has functional antiandrogenic effects by decreasing the circulating free fractions of androgens. CPA is a progestin (synthetic progestogen), or an agonist of the progesterone receptors, the biological target of progestogens like progesterone. It also acts as an antiandrogen, or as an antagonist of the androgen receptor, the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. However, it is thought that the antiandrogenic activity of CPA may only be significant at higher doses than are present in birth control pills. Both EE and CPA have antigonadotropic effects and act as contraceptives in women by suppressing ovulation. The antigonadotropic effects of EE and CPA also contribute to the antiandrogenic efficacy of the medication by suppressing androgen production by the ovaries.
Ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate
Ethinylestradiol/drospirenone
Ethinylestradiol/megestrol acetate
Norelgestromin/ethinylestradiol
Ethinylestradiol/norethisterone
Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel
Segesterone acetate/ethinylestradiol
Ethinylestradiol/norethisterone acetate