13 Facts About Progesterone

Progesterone has a number of physiological effects that are amplified in the presence of estrogens.

Progesterone has key effects via non-genomic signalling on human sperm as they migrate through the female tract before fertilization occurs, though the recepto as yet remain unidentified.

Progesterone has been shown to demonstrate effects on octopus spermatozoa.

Progesterone is sometimes called the "hormone of pregnancy", and it has many roles relating to the development of the fetus:.

Progesterone plays an important role in breast development in women.

Progesterone appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of breast cancer, though its role, and whether it is a promoter or inhibitor of breast cancer risk, has not been fully elucidated.

Progesterone has been shown to prevent apoptosis in neurons, a common consequence of brain injury.

Progesterone in turn is the precursor of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, and after conversion to 17a-hydroxyprogesterone, of cortisol and androstenedione.

Progesterone is highly susceptible to enzymatic reduction via reductases and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases due to its double bond and its two ketones (at the C3 and C20 positions).

Progesterone is produced in high amounts in the ovaries from the onset of puberty to menopause, and is produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands after the onset of adrenarche in both males and females.

Progesterone can be taken by mouth, through the vagina, and by injection into muscle or fat, among other routes.

Progesterone is a naturally occurring pregnane steroid and is known as pregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione.

Progesterone can be made from the stigmasterol found in soybean oil.