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Progesterone
About Progesterone
Progesterone is the other important female hormone. Like estradiol, it is responsible for a normal
monthly cycle, and is also important for the health of bone, blood vessels, heart, brain, skin and
many other tissues and organs. In recent years, we have come to appreciate how important it is to
consider this hormone in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, pre- menstrual syndrome and
infertility. We are still discovering the importance of this important hormone. For example: even
though progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum (which develops after ovulation) in its highest
levels during the last half of the female cycle, levels are maintained in the first half of the cycle by
the adrenal glands. In fact, progesterone is a precursor (building block) for most other hormones
including DHEA, estradiol, testosterone and cortisol. Progesterone, like estradiol, plays an
important role in mood, blood sugar balance, sex drive and thyroid function, as well as adrenal gland
Health. Peri and post menopausal women may monitor the decreasing levels of this hormone that
occur with aging and menopause. Cycling women experiencing PMS symptoms that may be due
to a hormonal imbalance may also monitor progesterone.
Progesterone has important functions in men as well. Though considered to be a hormone
exclusively in women, progesterone is a precursor (building block) for most other hormones
important for male health including testosterone, DHEA and cortisol, and yes, even the small
amount of estradiol men have. In men, progesterone plays an important role in adrenal gland health,
as well as being an important consideration for the health of other hormones.
See:
Actions of Progesterone
Production of Progesterone
Pathways:
Pregnenolone à Progesterone à 17 a-Hydroxyprogesterone
Pregnenolone à Progesterone à 11-Deoxycorticosterone
Common Names: progesterone; progestin; progestone; pregnendione;
Chemical Name: Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione
Molecular Formula: C21H30O2
Molecular Weight: 314.4668
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