Progestogen
Steroid hormones essential for pregnancy and reproductive regulation.
Progestogens are a class of natural or synthetic steroid hormones that bind to and activate progesterone receptors. They are named for their function in maintaining pregnancy, though they are also present at other phases of the estrous and menstrual cycles. Progesterone is the major and most important progestogen in the body.
- field
- Endocrinology, Reproductive Biology
- known_for
- Maintaining pregnancy, regulating menstrual cycle, and serving as precursors to other steroid hormones
- type
- Class of steroid hormones
Lore & Background
Progestogens are one of three types of sex hormones, alongside estrogens and androgens, and one of five major classes of steroid hormones, which also include glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. All endogenous progestogens are characterized by a basic 21-carbon pregnane skeleton. The terms progesterone, progestogen, and progestin are often mistakenly used interchangeably; progestins are synthetic progestogens used in medicine, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone. Endogenous progestogens include progesterone and its metabolites, such as 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and 5α-dihydroprogesterone. Progesterone is produced from cholesterol via pregnenolone in tissues including the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries. In the ovary, the corpus luteum produces progesterone, which is highest during the diestrus phase. In some species, such as humans and sheep, the placenta takes over progestogen production during pregnancy.
Reader's Guide
Progestogens play a critical role in female and male reproductive systems, affecting the uterus, vagina, cervix, breasts, testes, and brain. Their biological functions include regulation of the menstrual cycle, maintenance of pregnancy, and preparation of mammary glands for lactation. In men, progestogens influence spermiogenesis, sperm capacitation, and testosterone synthesis. Unlike estrogens, progestogens have little or no role in feminization. Medically, progestogens are used in hormonal birth control, menopausal hormone therapy, transgender hormone therapy for transgender women, and to treat gynecological disorders. Their significance lies in their foundational role as precursors to all other endogenous steroids, including androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. The distinction between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins is important for clinical applications, as progestins differ in pharmacological properties.
Did You Know?
- Progestogens are named for their function in maintaining pregnancy.
- All endogenous progestogens have a 21-carbon pregnane skeleton.
- Progestins are synthetic progestogens, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone.
- Progesterone is produced from cholesterol with pregnenolone as a metabolic intermediate.
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