anti-oestrogen

views updated

anti-oestrogen (oestrogen-receptor antagonist) (anti-ees-trŏ-jĕn) n. one of a group of drugs that oppose the action of oestrogen by binding to oestrogen receptors in the body's tissues. It includes tamoxifen, which is used in the treatment of breast cancers dependent on oestrogen. Because they stimulate the production of pituitary gonadotrophins, some anti-oestrogens (e.g. clomifene) are used to induce or stimulate ovulation in infertility treatment (see superovulation). Side-effects of anti-oestrogens include hot flushes, itching of the vulva, nausea, vomiting, and fluid retention.

More From encyclopedia.com