Progestogens

Progestogens ( progestins ) form group female sexual hormones with anti- estrogenic and anti- gonadotropic effect. The most important is  progesterone .

Progesterone
It is formed in the corpus luteum ovaries and placenta  ( after 6–8 weeks pregnancy ; 30–40x more ), as intermediate product synthesis of androgens  and estrogens  also in the cortex of the adrenal gland  and in the small amount in testes.

synthesized from cholesterol. over intermediate product pregnenolone, from which it differs in arrangement on A circle. It binds in plasma on proteinaceous carrier. It is fast in the liver. metabolized – has very low biological availability and short biological half time. Due to active metabolism in the liver is progesterone after ineffective.

After conjugation with an acid glucuron ( inactivation ) in the liver form pregnanediol excludes urine.

Effect
Progestins lead to: Compared to [ [ estrogens ]] they have minimal effect on song plasma proteins ( do not affect plasma fibrinogen levels ). _ Significantly they influence metabolism sugars and stimulate saving fats.
 *  development secretory tissue in breasts glands  ( acini ) – lactation  is, however blocked and starts until after  birth u ( violent decrease levels progesterone ), maintained  prolactin  em
 *  maturation of the endometrium in the second half menstrual menstrual cycle cycle  – transition from proliferative to secretory phase ( zoom volume and size secretion glands and increased content  glycogen u ) -> preparation  uterine mucosa  for reception ova + constriction throats and thickening cervical mucus.
 *  reduction effects of estrogens  on vaginal the wall
 *  influence peripheral flow rate blood  - reduce thermal losses, i.e.  increases physical temperature  (on average by 0.5& nbsp;° C during luteal phase cycle –  indicator ovulation )

Progestogens and estrogens acts synergistically – estrogens they initiate creation receptors for progesterone.

Clinical using
Main the indication is application as part of  contraception . In the long run are also applied they can use to long term suppression of ovaries ] ] e.g. in [[ endometriosis|endometriosis . They don't have effect on invocation abortion u.  Toxicity of progestins  is low, though they can to condition rise blood pressure and a drop in HDL.

Like oral contraceptives  are used too synthetic  steroids  – derivatives of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 17alpha-alkyl- substituted derivatives of 19-nortestosterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) etc. Inhibitory effect on grow cells is used on treatment differentiated endometrial cancer.

Related Articles

 * Contraception
 * Estrogens
 * Psychophysiology of Human Sexuality
 * Hormonal and biological treatment