Products
Progesterone is commercially available as a vaginal gel, a gel, in capsule form, and as a solution for injection. The capsules can be used orally and vaginally. Progesterone has been approved in many countries since 1955.
Structure and properties
Progesterone (C21H30O2, Mr = 314.5 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder or colorless crystals and is practically insoluble in water. It corresponds in structure and properties to the natural sex hormone.
Effects
Progesterone (ATC G03DA04) causes the conversion of proliferative endometrium to secretory endometrium when estrogen levels are sufficient.
Indications
- Disorders of hormonal balance due to progesterone insufficiency, e.g., premenstrual syndrome or menstrual disorders resulting from ovulatory dysfunction.
- As an adjunct to estrogen replacement therapy in vasomotor disorders due to menopause.
- Supplementation of the luteal phase in in vitro fertilization cycles.
- Supplementation of the luteal phase in spontaneous or induced cycles, especially in cases of hypofertility caused by ovulation disorders and primary or secondary infertility.
- Female breast discomfort and pain (mastodynia) see under progesterone gel.