Progesterone, a crucial steroid hormone in both females and males, though it plays a more dominant role in female reproductive health:
Progestogens are a class of steroids that bind to and activate the progesterone receptor. Progestogens mainly are involved in maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone is the major and most important progestogen in the body. The main biological role of progestogens in the body is in the reproductive systems of both females and males. Progestogens affect menstrual cycle lactation in women and spermiogenesis and testosterone synthesis in men.
Progesterone Associated Diseases and Disorders
🧬 What Is Progesterone?
- Progesterone is a C-21 steroid hormone primarily produced by:
- Corpus luteum (in ovaries)
- Placenta (during pregnancy)
- Adrenal glands (in both sexes)
- Testes (in small amounts in males)
🧪 Chemical formula: C₂₁H₃₀O₂
🔁 Derived from: Pregnenolone
🎯 Acts via: Progesterone receptors (PR-A and PR-B)
🌸 Physiological Functions of Progesterone (Primarily in Females)
1. 🩸 Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
- Secretory phase (post-ovulation): Prepares endometrium for implantation.
- Inhibits uterine contractions to allow embryo attachment.
- Counterbalances estrogen’s proliferative effects.
2. 🤰 Support of Pregnancy
- Maintains uterine lining for embryo/fetus.
- Suppresses maternal immune response to prevent fetal rejection.
- Inhibits further ovulation during pregnancy.
- Promotes decidualization (differentiation of endometrial cells).
- Inhibits myometrial contractions, preventing premature labor.
🌟 In pregnancy, the placenta becomes the main progesterone source after the first trimester.
3. 🧠 Neurological and Mood Effects
- Acts as a neurosteroid in the brain:
- Modulates GABA-A receptors
- Has calming, anti-anxiety effects
- May affect mood and memory
4. 💧 Thermogenic Effect
- Slightly raises basal body temperature after ovulation.
- Basis for tracking ovulation via temperature monitoring.
5. 🦴 Bone Health
- Helps regulate bone turnover by modulating osteoblast and osteoclast activity.
- Works synergistically with estrogen to maintain bone density.
6. 🛡️ Anti-inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Roles
- Regulates local immune responses in the uterus.
- May reduce inflammation and protect tissues during pregnancy.
🙋♂️ Functions in Males
- Produced in small amounts in testes and adrenal glands.
- Acts as a precursor to testosterone and other corticosteroids.
- May play a role in sperm maturation and behavior modulation.
📊 Summary Table
| Function | Details |
| Menstrual cycle regulation | Prepares and stabilizes endometrial lining |
| Pregnancy support | Maintains uterus, prevents contractions |
| Neurosteroid activity | Anti-anxiety, neuroprotective effects |
| Thermoregulation | Raises body temp after ovulation |
| Bone maintenance | Works with estrogen to preserve density |
| Male role | Precursor hormone, may affect sperm |