Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS): keys to understanding their function

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are an increasingly important therapeutic modality that are used by clinicians on a daily basis. Unfortunately, clinicians have a limited understanding regarding the underlying mechanism(s) of how SERMs function and their increasingly useful role in the treatment of estrogen-responsive target tissues such as the breast, bone, vagina, uterine endometrium, and brain. This review will provide a basic understanding of our current knowledge of SERM pharmacodynamics and will highlight the clinical applications of Food and Drug Administration–approved SERMs in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, osteoporosis, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, infertility, and breast cancer and its prevention. SERMs under development and natural phytoestrogens will also be reviewed.
Source: Menopause - Category: OBGYN Tags: Clinical Corner: Invited Review Source Type: research