Formation of progesterone: The hormone progesterone (corpus luteum hormone) is formed from cholesterol via pregnenolone in the corpus luteum of the ovaries, in the follicles (follicles in the ovary), in the placenta and in the adrenal cortex. Hormone production in the adrenal gland also takes place in men. The progesterone synthesis in the corpus luteum is taken over by the granulosa cells.
In the blood, cortisol-binding globulin serves as a transporter; the hormone receptor is located intracellularly. Regulation of progesterone: The regulation of the hormone progesterone is subject to a hypopthalamus-pituitary axis. GnRH of the hypothalamus causes the release of LH (luteinizing hormone), which in turn causes the release of progesterone.
Progesterone, as a gestagenic (pregnancy-maintaining) hormone, is used to prepare for the absorption and maturation of the egg after fertilization. Progesterone also maintains the pregnancy. The effects of this hormone extend to the uterus, the vagina, the central nervous system and the kidneys.
Muscle growth is stimulated in the uterus and glandular remodelling is initiated in the mucous membrane. In the presence of progesterone, the cervix is reduced in size and the cervical mucus is toughened. In the nervous system, the hormone causes a reduction in sensitive sensations (anesthesia) and an increased excitability of the nerve cells with the risk of seizures (epileptic seizures).
Furthermore, the hormone causes an increase in temperature, which is partly used as – controversial – contraceptive protection, as this change in temperature marks the time after ovulation. On average, the body temperature measured before getting up (basal body temperature) increases by 0.5°C. Progesterone probably also causes depression and behavioural disorders which can occur before menstruation (premenstrual syndrome) and at the end of pregnancy. At the kidney, the hormone reduces salt excretion by moderating the effect of aldosterone.