progesterone
a steroid HORMONE that is vital in PREGNANCY . It is produced by the CORPUS LUTEUM of the OVARY when the lining of the UTERUS is prepared for the implanting of an egg cell. Progesterone is secreted under the control of other hormones (prolactin from the anterior PITUITARY GLAND and luteinizing hormone also from the pituitary, which stimulates ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum) until the PLACENTA adopts this role later in the pregnancy. The function of progesterone is to maintain the uterus and ensure that no further eggs are produced. Small amounts of this hormone are also produced by the testes (see TESTICLE ).
Progesterone is used along with estrogen therapy to manage symptoms of menopause. Combination of estrogen and progesterone used during menopause is called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Progesterone is also used to produce a period in women who have amenorrhea (absence of periods). Progesterone is in a class of medications called progestins (female hormones). It works as part of hormone replacement therapy by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the uterus. It works to bring on menstruation by replacing the natural progesterone that some women are lacking.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking progesterone affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Progesterone itself helps people become pregnant, while progestins used in birth control pills are designed to prevent pregnancy. Because the effect depends on which form is being used and for what purpose, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any product containing progesterone or a progestin.
Does taking progesterone increase the risk of miscarriage?
The fact sheet notes that miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, but progesterone or progestin use is not reported to increase that chance. In fact, prescribed progesterone is sometimes used in early pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage. Any questions about your specific situation should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking progesterone increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a 3–5% background chance of a birth defect, and the fact sheet states it is unlikely that progesterone or progestin use will increase this chance. Some earlier studies raised a concern about hypospadias in boys after progestin exposure, but those studies had methodological issues, and most subsequent studies have not reported a higher chance of birth defects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh this information in the context of your own pregnancy.
Can taking progesterone during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet explains that most research has looked at progesterone given in later pregnancy—such as 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate injections or vaginal suppositories used to help prevent preterm labor—and these studies have not shown negative effects. Discuss any pregnancy-specific concerns with your healthcare provider.
Can taking progesterone during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Studies that have followed children up to age 5 have not found progesterone or progestin use in pregnancy to cause problems with neurodevelopment, according to the fact sheet. Longer-term questions can be raised with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking progesterone?
The fact sheet reports that supplemental progesterone or progestins enter breastmilk in low amounts and that breastfeeding while taking them is not expected to be harmful to the nursing infant. Any specific breastfeeding questions should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
progesterone