progesterone

(prōjĕs`tərōn'), female sex hormonehormone,
secretory substance carried from one gland or organ of the body via the bloodstream to more or less specific tissues, where it exerts some influence upon the metabolism of the target tissue.
..... Click the link for more information. that induces secretory changes in the lining of the uterusuterus,
in most female mammals, hollow muscular organ in which the fetus develops and from which it is delivered at the end of pregnancy. The human uterus is pear-shaped and about 3 in. (7.
..... Click the link for more information. essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. A steroidsteroids,
class of lipids having a particular molecular ring structure called the cyclopentanoperhydro-phenanthrene ring system. Steroids differ from one another in the structure of various side chains and additional rings. Steroids are common in both plants and animals.
..... Click the link for more information. , progesterone is secreted chiefly by the corpus luteum, a group of cells formed in the ovaryovary,
ductless gland of the female in which the ova (female reproductive cells) are produced. In vertebrate animals the ovary also secretes the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which control the development of the sexual organs and the secondary sexual characteristics.
..... Click the link for more information. after the follicle ruptures during the release of the egg cell. If fertilization does not take place, the secretion of progesterone decreases and menstruation occurs. If fertilization does occur, progesterone is secreted during pregnancy by the placenta and acts to prevent spontaneous abortion; the hormone also prepares the mammary glands for milk production. Progesterone is also synthesized from cholesterolcholesterol
, fatty lipid found in the body tissues and blood plasma of vertebrates; it is only sparingly soluble in water, but much more soluble in some organic solvents. A steroid, cholesterol can be found in large concentrations in the brain, spinal cord, and liver.
..... Click the link for more information. in the cortex of the adrenal glandadrenal gland
or suprarenal gland
, endocrine gland (see endocrine system) about 2 in. (5.1 cm) long situated atop each kidney. The outer yellowish layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland secretes about 30 steroid hormones, the most important of which are aldosterone and
..... Click the link for more information. where it is a precursor for the synthesis of other steroids including testosteronetestosterone
, principal androgen, or male sex hormone. One of the group of compounds known as anabolic steroids, testosterone is secreted by the testes (see testis) but is also synthesized in small quantities in the ovaries, cortices of the adrenal glands, and placenta, usually
..... Click the link for more information. . Synthetic compounds with progesteronelike activity have been developed that, along with estrogenestrogen
, any one of a group of hormones synthesized by the reproductive organs and adrenal glands in females and, in lesser quantities, in males. The estrogens cause the thickening of the lining of the uterus and vagina in the early phase of the ovulatory, or menstrual, cycle
..... Click the link for more information. , are used in oral contraceptives.

Progesterone

A steroid hormone produced in the corpus luteum and placenta. The hormone has an important physiological role in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and in the maintenance of pregnancy. In addition, progesterone produced in the testis and adrenals has a key role as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of androgens, estrogens, and the corticoids (adrenal cortex steroids). See Androgen, Cholesterol, Estrogen, Menstruation, Steroid, Sterol

Progesterone

in humans and vertebrate animals, a female sex hormone. Chemically, progesterone is a steroid that is synthesized in the body from cholesterol. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of all steroid hormones and can form in any tissues that secrete these hormones. Its structural formula is

In humans and higher animals, progesterone is primarily synthesized in the corpus luteum of the ovaries; the luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland regulates its production. In the blood, progesterone mainly occurs in complexes with proteins.

By interacting with estriadol, another female hormone, progesterone regulates the estrous cycle in mammals and the menstrual cycle in humans. In the preovulatory phase of the sex and reproductive cycles in women, the daily production of progesterone occurs principally in the adrenal cortex and measures 1 to 3 mg. In the postovulatory phase, as much as 20 to 30 mg of progesterone are produced, principally in the corpus luteum. Progesterone produces changes in the uterine mucosa, which prepare the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg. When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum atrophies and the secretion of progesterone decreases. During a normal pregnancy, the placenta participates in the required daily production of as much as 200 to 250 mg of progesterone. Progesterone suppresses the activity of the smooth musculature of the uterus and thus prevents spontaneous abortion of the fetus; it also inhibits the ovulation of new follicles. The concentration of progesterone in the uterus decreases at the end of pregnancy, which serves as one of the trigger mechanisms of childbirth.

In medicine, progesterone and its synthetic derivatives (generally called progestins, or gestagens) are used to treat various disturbances of pregnancy and the ovarian cycle; they are also used in combination with estrogens as contraceptives. Derivatives of progesterone that act as repellents have been discovered in some insects. Flowering plants have also been found to produce progesterone.

In 1934, A. Butenandt contributed to the discovery of the chemical structure of progesterone.

REFERENCES

Savchenko, O. N. Gormony iaichnika i gonadotropnye gormony. Leningrad, 1967.
Heftmann, E. M. Biokhimiia steroidov. Moscow, 1972. (Translated from English.)

B. V. POKROVSKII

progesterone

[prō′jes·tə‚rōn] (biochemistry) C₂₁H₃₀O₂ A steroid hormone produced in the corpus luteum, placenta, testes, and adrenals; plays an important physiological role in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and in the maintenance of pregnancy; it is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of androgens, estrogens, and the corticoids.

progesterone

a steroid hormone, secreted mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary, that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy. Formula: C₂₁H₃₀O₂

progesterone

[pro-jes´tĕ-rōn] a steroid sex hormone that is the principal progestational agent; it plays a major part in the menstrual cycle. During the maturation of the secondary oocyte (ovum), estrogen, the principal female sex hormone, is produced at a high rate. At ovulation estrogen production is sharply reduced, and the ovary then creates within itself a special endocrine structure called the corpus luteum whose sole function is to produce progesterone. Unless fertilization takes place, the corpus luteum disappears when it has performed its function. The progesterone it has produced is promptly carried by the blood to the uterus, as was the estrogen previously. Both hormones now work to prepare the uterus for possible conception.
In pregnancy progesterone acts in a way that protects the embryo and fosters growth of the placenta. By decreasing the frequency of uterine contractions it helps to prevent expulsion of the implanted zygote. It also promotes secretory changes in the mucosa of the fallopian tubes, thereby helping to provide nutrition for the fertilized ovum as it travels through the tube on its way to the uterus.
Another function of progesterone is promotion of the development of the mammary glands in preparation for lactation. prolactin, from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, stimulates production of milk, and progesterone prepares the glands for milk secretion. Progesterone also has an indirect effect on the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body by blocking the effect of aldosterone. Diminished secretion of progesterone can lead to menstrual difficulties in nonpregnant women and spontaneous abortion in pregnant women.
Progesterone is used medically in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding and abnormalities of the menstrual cycle, as part of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, as a test for endogenous estrogen production, and as an adjunct in the treatment of infertility associated with partial or complete ovarian failure; administered orally, intramuscularly, or intravaginally.

progesterone

Crinone, Endometrin, Prometrium

Pharmacologic class: Progestin

Therapeutic class: Hormone

Pregnancy risk category B (oral), D (injection),NR (vaginal)

FDA Box Warning

• Estrogen plus progestin therapy shouldn't be used for prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia.

• The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risk of stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women (ages 50 to 79) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg) relative to placebo.

• The substudy also demonstrated increased risk of invasive breast cancer.

• The WHI Memory Study estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of the WHI reported increased risk of dementia in postmenopausal women ages 65 and older.

Action

Suppresses ovulation by altering the vaginal epithelium, relaxing uterine smooth muscle, and promoting mammary tissue growth. Also inhibits pituitary activity and causes withdrawal bleeding in presence of estrogen.

Availability

Injection (in sesame or peanut oil with benzyl alcohol): 50 mg/ml in 10-ml vials

Micronized capsules (oral) in peanut oil: 100 mg, 200 mg

Micronized vaginal gel: 4%, 8%

Indications and dosages

➣ Secondary amenorrhea

Adults: 400 mg/day P.O. in evening for 10 days, or 5 to 10 mg/day I.M. for 6 to 8 days, given 8 to 10 days before expected menstrual period. Or 45 mg (one applicatorful of 4% gel) vaginally once every other day for up to six doses; may increase to 90 mg (one applicatorful of 8% gel) once every other day for up to six doses.

➣ Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Adults: 5 to 10 mg I.M. daily for 6 days

➣ To prevent postmenopausal estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia

Adults: 200 mg/day P.O. at bedtime for 14 days on days 8 to 21 of 28-day cycle or on days 12 to 25 of 30-day cycle. If patient currently receives estrogen 1.25 mg/day, 300 mg progesterone in two divided doses (100 mg 2 hours after breakfast and 200 mg at bedtime); further adjustment may be required.

➣ Corpus luteum insufficiency; assisted reproduction technology

Adults: For luteal-phase support, 90 mg (one applicatorful of 8% gel) vaginally once daily. For in vitro fertilization, 90 mg (one applicatorful of 8% gel) vaginally once daily, starting within 24 hours of embryo transfer and continued through day 30 after transfer; if pregnancy occurs, treatment may continue for up to 12 weeks. For partial or complete ovarian failure, 90 mg (one applicatorful of 8% gel) vaginally b.i.d. while patient undergoes donor oocyte transfer; if pregnancy occurs, treatment may last up to 12 weeks.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug, peanuts (injection, micronized capsules), or sesame (injection)

• Thromboembolic disease

• Cerebrovascular disease

• Severe hepatic disease

• Porphyria

• Breast or reproductive system cancer

• Missed abortion

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

• Diagnosis of pregnancy

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• renal or cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, fluid retention, diabetes mellitus, asthma, migraine, depression

• history of hepatic disease

• breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Before first dose, make sure patient has read package insert regarding adverse effects. Reinforce written information with oral review.

See Before first I.M. dose, ask if patient has allergy to peanuts or sesame. Before giving micronized capsules, ask about peanut allergy.

• Inject I.M. dose deep into muscle. Rotate injection sites.

Adverse reactions

CNS: depression, emotional lability, cerebrovascular accident

CV: thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism

EENT: retinal thrombosis

GI: abdominal cramps

GU: amenorrhea, breakthrough bleeding, spotting, cervical erosions, breast tenderness, menstrual flow changes, galactorrhea

Hepatic: hepatitis

Respiratory: pulmonary embolism

Skin: melasma, rash, angioedema

Other: gingival bleeding, weight gain or loss, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis

Interactions

Drug-drug. Conjugated estrogens: increased levels of both drugs

Drug-diagnostic tests. Alkaline phosphatase, amino acids, low-density lipoproteins: increased levels

Chloride and sodium excretion: reduced (with high doses)

High-density lipoproteins: decreased level

Pregnanediol excretion: reduced

Thyroid function tests: altered results

Drug-herbs. Red clover: interference with drug effects

Drug-behaviors. Smoking: increased risk of thromboembolic effects

Patient monitoring

See Watch for evidence of thromboembolic disorders, including cerebrovascular accident, pulmonary embolism, diplopia, proptosis, or sudden partial or complete vision loss (may signal retinal thrombosis). If these occur, discontinue drug and notify prescriber immediately.

See Assess for emotional lability and depression.

Patient teaching

See Teach patient to recognize and immediately report signs and symptoms of thromboembolic disorders.

See Instruct patient and significant other to stay alert for and immediately report depression.

• Advise patient to monitor weight regularly and report significant changes.

• Tell female patient that drug may cause menstrual abnormalities.

• Advise female patient to discuss breastfeeding with prescriber before taking drug.

See Instruct patient to immediately report possible pregnancy.

• Tell patient that smoking increases thromboembolism risk. Encourage her to stop smoking if she smokes.

• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.

pro·ges·ter·one

(prō-jes'tĕr-ōn), An antiestrogenic steroid, believed to be the active principle of the corpus luteum, isolated from the corpus luteum and placenta or synthetically prepared; used to correct abnormalities of the menstrual cycle, as a contraceptive, and to control habitual abortion. Synonym(s): luteohormone, pregnancy hormone, progestational hormone

progesterone

(prō-jĕs′tə-rōn′)n.1. A steroid hormone, C₂₁H₃₀O₂, that is secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary and by the placenta and that acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum and to maintain pregnancy.2. This compound formulated as a drug, usually prepared synthetically from phytosterols, used in the treatment of infertility, amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and certain other conditions.

pro·ges·ter·one

(prŏ-jes'tĕr-ōn) An antiestrogenic steroid, believed to be the active principle of the corpus luteum, isolated from the corpus luteum and placenta or synthetically prepared; used to correct abnormalities of the menstrual cycle, as a contraceptive, and to control habitual abortion.
Compare: bioregulator
Synonym(s): luteal hormone, luteohormone, progestational hormone.

progesterone

The hormone secreted by the CORPUS LUTEUM of the ovary and by the PLACENTA. Progesterone acts during the menstrual cycle to predispose the lining of the womb (endometrium) to receive and retain the fertilized ovum. During pregnancy, progesterone from the placenta ensures the continued health and growth of the womb and promotes the growth of the milk-secreting cells of the breasts. Progesterone-like substances (progestogens) are widely used in medicine and are common constituents of oral contraceptives. The hormone is used to treat menstrual symptoms and infertility and as an adjunct to oestrogen in post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Brand names are Crinone, Cyclogest and Gestone.

progesterone

a female sex hormone produced by the CORPUS LUTEUM and the PLACENTA which is concerned with preparing the uterus to receive the fertilized OVUM, and in maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone is secreted on the stimulus of the corpus luteum by the pituitary hormones LH and LTH (LUTEOTROPHIC HORMONE).

Progesterone

A hormone naturally secreted by the ovary, or manufactured synthetically, that prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.Mentioned in: Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Dysmenorrhea, Endometrial Cancer, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Saw Palmetto

pro·ges·ter·one

(prŏ-jes'tĕr-ōn) Antiestrogenic steroid, believed to be the active principle of corpus luteum, isolated from corpus luteum and placenta or synthetically prepared; used to correct abnormalities of the menstrual cycle, as a contraceptive, and to control habitual abortion.
Synonym(s): progestational hormone.

progesterone

pro·ges·ter·one

progesterone

pro•ges•ter•one

pro·ges·ter·one

progesterone

progesterone

progesterone

Progesterone

Progesterone

REFERENCES

progesterone

progesterone

progesterone

progesterone

progesterone

FDA Box Warning

Action

Availability

Indications and dosages

Contraindications

Precautions

Administration

Adverse reactions

Interactions

Patient monitoring

Patient teaching

pro·ges·ter·one

progesterone

pro·ges·ter·one

progesterone

progesterone

Progesterone

pro·ges·ter·one

progesterone

Synonyms for progesterone

noun a steroid hormone (trade name Lipo-Lutin) produced in the ovary

Synonyms

Related Words