Progesterone was first isolated in pure form in 1934.[28][29] It first became available as a medication later that year.[30][31] Oral micronized progesterone (OMP), which allowed progesterone to be taken by mouth, was introduced in 1980.[31][20][32] A large number of synthetic progestogens, or progestins, have been derived from progesterone and are used as medications as well.[18] Examples include medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone.[18] In 2021, it was the 167th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3million prescriptions.[33][34]
Medical uses
Hormone therapy
Menopause
Progesterone is used in combination with an estrogen as a component of menopausal hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausalsymptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women.[18][35] It is used specifically to provide endometrial protection against unopposed estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in women with intact uteruses.[18][35] A 2016 systematic review of endometrial protection with progesterone recommended 100 mg/day continuous oral progesterone, 200 mg/day cyclic oral progesterone, 45 to 100 mg/day cyclic vaginal progesterone, and 100 mg alternate-day vaginal progesterone.[27][36] Twice-weekly 100 mg vaginal progesterone was also recommended, but more research is needed on this dose and endometrial monitoring may be advised.[27][36] Transdermal progesterone was not recommended for endometrial protection.[27][36]
The REPLENISH trial was the first adequately powered study to show that continuous 100 mg/day oral progesterone with food provides adequate endometrial protection.[37][38][35][39]Cyclic 200 mg/day oral progesterone has also been found to be effective in the prevention of endometrial hyperplasia, for instance in the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions (PEPI) trial.[37][40][36] However, the PEPI trial was not adequately powered to fully quantify endometrial hyperplasia or cancer risk.[37] No adequately powered studies have assessed endometrial protection with vaginal progesterone.[37] In any case, the Early versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol (ELITE) found that cyclic 45 mg/day vaginal progesterone gel showed no significant difference from placebo in endometrial cancer rates.[37][27] Due to the vaginal first-pass effect, low doses of vaginal progesterone may allow for adequate endometrial protection.[20][41][18] Although not sufficiently powered, various other smaller studies have also found endometrial protection with oral or vaginal progesterone.[37][40][36][42] There is inadequate evidence for endometrial protection with transdermal progesterone cream.[27][20][43][44]
Oral progesterone has been found to significantly reduce hot flashes relative to placebo.[37][45] The combination of an estrogen and oral progesterone likewise reduces hot flashes.[37][35] Estrogen plus oral progesterone has been found to significantly improve quality of life.[37][35] The combination of an estrogen and 100 to 300 mg/day oral progesterone has been found to improve sleep outcomes.[37][35][45] Moreover, sleep was improved to a significantly better extent than estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate.[37] This may be attributable to the sedativeneurosteroid effects of progesterone.[37] Reduction of hot flashes may also help to improve sleep outcomes.[37] Based on animal research, progesterone may be involved in sexual function in women.[46][47] However, very limited clinical research suggests that progesterone does not improve sexual desire or function in women.[48]
The combination of an estrogen and oral progesterone has been found to improve bone mineral density (BMD) to a similar extent as an estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate.[37] Progestogens, including progesterone, may have beneficial effects on bone independent of those of estrogens, although more research is required to confirm this notion.[49] The combination of an estrogen and oral or vaginal progesterone has been found to improve cardiovascular health in women in early menopause but not in women in late menopause.[37] Estrogen therapy has a favorable influence on the bloodlipid profile, which may translate to improved cardiovascular health.[37][18] The addition of oral or vaginal progesterone has neutral or beneficial effects on these changes.[37][35][45] This is in contrast to various progestins, which are known to antagonize the beneficial effects of estrogens on blood lipids.[18][37] Progesterone, both alone and in combination with an estrogen, has been found to have beneficial effects on skin and to slow the rate of skin aging in postmenopausal women.[50][51]
In the French E3N-EPIC observational study, the risk of diabetes was significantly lower in women on menopausal hormone therapy, including with the combination of an oral or transdermal estrogen and oral progesterone or a progestin.[52]
Progesterone is used as a component of feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women in combination with estrogens and antiandrogens.[53][19] However, the addition of progestogens to HRT for transgender women is controversial and their role is unclear.[53][19] Some patients and clinicians believe anecdotally that progesterone may enhance breast development, improve mood, and increase sex drive.[19] However, there is a lack of evidence from well-designed studies to support these notions at present.[19] In addition, progestogens can produce undesirable side effects, although bioidentical progesterone may be safer and better tolerated than synthetic progestogens like medroxyprogesterone acetate.[53][54]
Because some believe that progestogens are necessary for full breast development, progesterone is sometimes used in transgender women with the intention of enhancing breast development.[53][55][54] However, a 2014 review concluded the following on the topic of progesterone for enhancing breast development in transgender women:[55]
Our knowledge concerning the natural history and effects of different cross-sex hormone therapies on breast development in [transgender] women is extremely sparse and based on low quality of evidence. Current evidence does not provide evidence that progestogens enhance breast development in [transgender] women. Neither do they prove the absence of such an effect. This prevents us from drawing any firm conclusion at this moment and demonstrates the need for further research to clarify these important clinical questions.[55]
Data on menstruating women shows there is no correlation between water retention, and levels of progesterone or estrogen.[56] Despite this, some theorise progesterone might cause temporary breast enlargement due to local fluid retention, and may thus give a misleading appearance of breast growth.[57][58] Aside from a hypothetical involvement in breast development, progestogens are not otherwise known to be involved in physical feminization.[54][53]
Pregnancy support
Vaginally dosed progesterone is being investigated as potentially beneficial in preventing preterm birth in women at risk for preterm birth. The initial study by Fonseca suggested that vaginal progesterone could prevent preterm birth in women with a history of preterm birth.[59] According to a recent study, women with a short cervix that received hormonal treatment with a progesterone gel had their risk of prematurely giving birth reduced. The hormone treatment was administered vaginally every day during the second half of a pregnancy.[60] A subsequent and larger study showed that vaginal progesterone was no better than placebo in preventing recurrent preterm birth in women with a history of a previous preterm birth,[61] but a planned secondary analysis of the data in this trial showed that women with a short cervix at baseline in the trial had benefit in two ways: a reduction in births less than 32 weeks and a reduction in both the frequency and the time their babies were in intensive care.[62]
In another trial, vaginal progesterone was shown to be better than placebo in reducing preterm birth prior to 34 weeks in women with an extremely short cervix at baseline.[63] An editorial by Roberto Romero discusses the role of sonographic cervical length in identifying patients who may benefit from progesterone treatment.[64] A meta-analysis published in 2011 found that vaginal progesterone cut the risk of premature births by 42 percent in women with short cervixes.[65][66] The meta-analysis, which pooled published results of five large clinical trials, also found that the treatment cut the rate of breathing problems and reduced the need for placing a baby on a ventilator.[67]
Progesterone has been used as a topical medication applied to the scalp to treat female and male pattern hair loss.[77][78][79][80][81] Variable effectiveness has been reported, but overall its effectiveness for this indication in both sexes has been poor.[78][79][82][81]
Breast pain
Progesterone is approved under the brand name Progestogel as a 1% topical gel for local application to the breasts to treat breast pain in certain countries.[83][84][20] It is not approved for systemic therapy.[85][83] It has been found in clinical studies to inhibit estrogen-induced proliferation of breast epithelial cells and to abolish breast pain and tenderness in women with the condition.[20] However, in one small study in women with cyclic breast pain it was ineffective.[86]Vaginal progesterone has also been found to be effective in the treatment of breast pain and tenderness.[86]
Premenstrual syndrome
Historically, progesterone has been widely used in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.[87] A 2012 Cochrane review found insufficient evidence for or against the effectiveness of progesterone for this indication.[88] Another review of 10 studies found that progesterone was not effective for this condition, although it stated that insufficient evidence is available currently to make a definitive statement on progesterone in premenstrual syndrome.[87][89]
Catamenial epilepsy
Progesterone can be used to treat catamenial epilepsy by supplementation during certain periods of the menstrual cycle.[90]
In addition to approved pharmaceutical products, progesterone is available in unregulated custom compounded and over-the-counter formulations like systemic transdermalcreams and other preparations.[94][95][43][44][96] The systemic efficacy of transdermal progesterone is controversial and has not been demonstrated.[43][44][96]
Progesterone lacks undesirable off-target hormonal activity, in contrast to various progestins.[18] As a result, it is not associated with androgenic, antiandrogenic, estrogenic, or glucocorticoid effects.[18] Conversely, progesterone can still produce side effects related to its antimineralocorticoid and neurosteroid activity.[18] Compared to the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate, there are fewer reports of breast tenderness with progesterone.[26] In addition, the magnitude and duration of vaginal bleeding with progesterone are reported to be lower than with medroxyprogesterone acetate.[26]
Sedation and cognitive and memory impairment with progesterone are attributable to its inhibitoryneurosteroidmetabolites.[18] These metabolites occur to a greater extent with oral progesterone, and may be minimized by switching to a parenteral route.[18][14][121] Progesterone can also be taken before bed to avoid these side effects and to help with sleep.[110] The neurosteroid effects of progesterone are unique to progesterone and are not shared with progestins.[18]
Breast cancer
Breast cell proliferation has been found to be significantly increased by the combination of an oral estrogen plus cyclicmedroxyprogesterone acetate in postmenopausal women but not by the combination of transdermal estradiol plus oral progesterone.[37] Studies of topical estradiol and progesterone applied to the breasts for 2 weeks have been found to result in highly pharmacological local levels of estradiol and progesterone.[37][122] These studies have assessed breast proliferation markers and have found increased proliferation with estradiol alone, decreased proliferation with progesterone, and no change in proliferation with estradiol and progesterone combined.[37] In the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions (PEPI) trial, the combination of estrogen and cyclic oral progesterone resulted in a higher mammographicbreast density than estrogen alone (3.1% vs. 0.9%) but a non-significantly lower breast density than the combination of estrogen and cyclic or continuousmedroxyprogesterone acetate (3.1% vs. 4.4–4.6%).[37] Higher breast density is a strong known risk factor for breast cancer.[123] Other studies have had mixed findings however.[124] A 2018 systematic review reported that breast density with an estrogen plus oral progesterone was significantly increased in three studies and unchanged in two studies.[124] Changes in breast density with progesterone appear to be less than with the compared progestins.[124]
In large short-term observational studies, estrogen alone and the combination of estrogen and oral progesterone have generally not been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.[37][125][126][36] Conversely, the combination of estrogen and almost any progestin, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate or norethisterone acetate, has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.[37][125][36][126][127] The only exception among progestins is dydrogesterone, which has shown similar risk to that of oral progesterone.[37] Breast cancer risk with estrogen and progestin therapy is duration-dependent, with the risk being significantly greater with more than 5 years of exposure relative to less than 5 years.[125] In contrast to shorter-term studies, the longer-term observations (>5 years) of the French E3N study showed significant associations of both estrogen plus oral progesterone and estrogen plus dydrogesterone with higher breast cancer risk, similarly to estrogen plus other progestogens.[37] Oral progesterone has very low bioavailability and has relatively weak progestogenic effects.[127][128] The delayed onset of breast cancer risk with estrogen plus oral progesterone is potentially consistent with a weak proliferative effect of oral progesterone on the breasts.[127][128] As such, a longer duration of exposure may be necessary for a detectable increase in breast cancer risk to occur.[127][128] In any case, the risk remains lower than that with most progestins.[37][126] A 2018 systematic review of progesterone and breast cancer concluded that short-term use (<5 years) of an estrogen plus progesterone is not associated with a significant increase in risk of breast cancer but that long-term use (>5 years) is associated with greater risk.[124] The conclusions for progesterone were the same in a 2019 meta-analysis of the worldwide epidemiological evidence by the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer (CGHFBC).[129]
Most data on breast density changes and breast cancer risk are with oral progesterone.[124] Data on breast safety with vaginal progesterone are scarce.[124] The Early versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol (ELITE) was a randomized controlled trial of about 650 postmenopausal women who used estradiol and 45 mg/day cyclic vaginal progesterone.[124][130] Incidence of breast cancer was reported as an adverse effect.[124][130] The absolute incidences were 10 cases in the estradiol plus vaginal progesterone group and 8 cases in the control group.[124][130] However, the study was not adequately powered for quantifying breast cancer risk.[124][130]
Estrogens plus progesterone or dydrogesterone <5 years ≥5 years
1.13 (0.99–1.29) 1.31 (1.15–1.48)
Estrogen plus other progestogens <5 years ≥5 years
1.70 (1.50–1.91) 2.02 (1.81–2.26)
Footnotes:a = Oral estrogen plus progesterone was not analyzed because there was a low number of women who used this therapy. Sources: See template.
Blood clots
Whereas the combination of estrogen and a progestin is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) relative to estrogen alone, there is no difference in risk of VTE with the combination of estrogen and oral progesterone relative to estrogen alone.[128][131] Hence, in contrast to progestins, oral progesterone added to estrogen does not appear to increase coagulation or VTE risk.[128][131] The reason for the differences between progesterone and progestins in terms of VTE risk are unclear.[132][128][127] However, they may be due to very low progesterone levels and relatively weak progestogenic effects produced by oral progesterone.[128][127] In contrast to oral progesterone, non-oral progesterone—which can achieve much higher progesterone levels—has not been assessed in terms of VTE risk.[128][127]
Overdose
Progesterone is likely to be relatively safe in overdose. Levels of progesterone during pregnancy are up to 100-fold higher than during normal menstrual cycling, although levels increase gradually over the course of pregnancy.[133] Oral dosages of progesterone of as high as 3,600 mg/day have been assessed in clinical trials, with the main side effect being sedation.[134] There is a case report of progesterone misuse with an oral dosage of 6,400 mg per day.[135] Administration of as much as 500 mg progesterone by intravenous infusion in humans was uneventful in terms of toxicity, but did induce deep sleep, though the individuals were still able to be awakened with sufficient stimulation.[117][15][118][119]
Progesterone is a weak but significant agonist of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), and has been found to induce several hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as CYP3A4, especially when concentrations are high, such as with pregnancy range levels.[142][143][144][145] As such, progesterone may have the potential to accelerate the metabolism of various medications.[142][143][144][145]
There are differences between progesterones and progestins, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone, with implications for pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, as well as for efficacy, tolerability, and safety.[18]
The bioavailability of progesterone was commonly overestimated due to the immunoassay method of analysis failing to distinguish between progesterone itself and its metabolites.[158][127][128] Newer methods have adjusted the oral bioavailbility estimate from 6.2 to 8.6%[159] down to less than 2.4%.[3]
Chemistry
Steroids
Progesterone is a naturally occurringpregnanesteroid and is also known as pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione.[160][161] It has a double bond (4-ene) between the C4 and C5 positions and two ketonegroups (3,20-dione), one at the C3 position and the other at the C20 position.[160][161] Due to its pregnane core and C4(5) double bond, progesterone is often abbreviated as P4. It is contrasted with pregnenolone, which has a C5(6) double bond and is often abbreviated as P5.
The hormonal action of progesterone was discovered in 1929.[28][29][170] Pure crystalline progesterone was isolated in 1934 and its chemical structure was determined.[28][29] Later that year, chemical synthesis of progesterone was accomplished.[29][171] Shortly following its chemical synthesis, progesterone began being tested clinically in women.[29][100]
Injections and implants
In 1933 or 1934, Schering introduced progesterone in oil solution as a medication by intramuscular injection under the brand name Proluton.[172][30][31][20][173] This was the first pharmaceutical formulation of progesterone to be marketed for medical use.[174] It was initially a corpus luteumextract, becoming pure synthesized progesterone only subsequently.[175][176][172][177] A clinical study of the formulation was published in 1933.[172][178][176] Multiple formulations of progesterone in oil solution for intramuscular injection, under the brand names Proluton, Progestin, and Gestone, were available by 1936.[175][179] A parenteral route was used because oral progesterone had very low activity and was thought to be inactive.[20][173][177] Progesterone was initially very expensive due to the large doses required.[180] However, with the start of steroid manufacturing from diosgenin in the 1940s, costs greatly decreased.[181]
Subcutaneous pellet implants of progesterone were first studied in women in the late 1930s.[182][183][184][185][186] They were the first long-acting progestogen formulation.[187] Pellets were reported to be extruded out of the skin within a few weeks at high rates, even when implanted beneath the deep fascia, and also produced frequent inflammatory reactions at the site of implantation.[105][184][188] In addition, they were absorbed too slowly and achieved unsatisfactorily low progesterone levels.[105] Consequently, they were soon abandoned, in favor of other preparations such as aqueous suspensions.[105][188][189][187] However, subcutaneous pellet implants of progesterone were later studied as a form of birth control in women in the 1980s and early 1990s, though no preparations were ultimately marketed.[190][191][192][193]
Aqueous suspensions of progesterone crystals for intramuscular injection were first described in 1944.[187][194][195][196] These preparations were on the market in the 1950s under a variety of brand names including Flavolutan, Luteosan, Lutocyclin M, and Lutren, among others.[197] Aqueous suspensions of steroids were developed because they showed much longer durations than intramuscular injection of steroids in oil solution.[198] However, local injection site reactions, which do not occur with oil solutions, have limited the clinical use of aqueous suspensions of progesterone and other steroids.[199][200][201] Today, a preparation with the brand name Agolutin Depot remains on the market in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.[202][203] A combined preparation of progesterone, estradiol benzoate, and lidocaine remains available with the brand name Clinomin Forte in Paraguay as well.[204] In addition to aqueous suspensions, water-in-oil emulsions of steroids were studied by 1949,[205][206][207] and long-acting emulsions of progesterone were introduced for use by intramuscular injection under the brand names Progestin and Di-Pro-Emulsion (with estradiol benzoate) by the 1950s.[197][208][209][210][211] Due to lack of standardization of crystal sizes, crystalline suspensions of steroids had marked variations in effect.[105] Emulsions were said to be even more unreliable.[105]
The first study of oral progesterone in humans was published in 1949.[223][224] It found that oral progesterone produced significant progestational effects in the endometrium in women.[223] Prior to this study, animal research had suggested that oral progesterone was inactive, and for this reason, oral progesterone had never been evaluated in humans.[223][224] A variety of other early studies of oral progesterone in humans were also published in the 1950s and 1960s.[224][225][226][227][228][229][230][231][232][233] These studies generally reported oral progesterone to be only very weakly active.[224][229][228] Oral non-micronized progesterone was introduced as a pharmaceutical medication around 1953, for instance as Cyclogesterin (1 mg estrogenic substances and 30 mg progesterone tablets) for menstrual disturbances by Upjohn, though it saw limited use.[234][235] Another preparation, which contained progesterone alone, was Synderone (trademark registered by Chemical Specialties in 1952).[236][237][238]
Sublingual progesterone in women was first studied in 1944 by Robert Greenblatt.[239][240][188][223][241][227] Buccal progesterone tablets were marketed by Schering under the brand name Proluton Buccal Tablets by 1949.[242] Sublingual progesterone tablets were marketed under the brand names Progesterone Lingusorbs and Progesterone Membrettes by 1951.[243][244][245] A sublingual tablet formulation of progesterone has been approved under the brand name Luteina in Poland and Ukraine and remains marketed today.[92][93]
Progesterone was the first progestogen that was found to inhibit ovulation, both in animals and in women.[246] Injections of progesterone were first shown to inhibit ovulation in animals between 1937 and 1939.[247][246][248][249] Inhibition of fertilization by administration of progesterone during the luteal phase was also demonstrated in animals between 1947 and 1949.[247] Ovulation inhibition by progesterone in animals was subsequently re-confirmed and expanded on by Gregory Pincus and colleagues in 1953 and 1954.[246][250][251] Findings on inhibition of ovulation by progesterone in women were first presented at the Fifth International Conference on Planned Parenthood in Tokyo, Japan in October 1955.[233][252] Three different research groups presented their findings on this topic at the conference.[233][252] They included Pincus (in conjunction with John Rock, who did not attend the conference); a nine-member Japanese group led by Masaomi Ishikawa; and the two-member team of Abraham Stone and Herbert Kupperman.[233][252][253][254][255] The conference marked the beginning of a new era in the history of birth control.[252] The results were subsequently published in scientific journals in 1956 in the case of Pincus and in 1957 in the case of Ishikawa and colleagues.[256][257][258] Rock and Pincus also subsequently described findings from 1952 that "pseudopregnancy" therapy with a combination of high doses of diethylstilbestrol and oral progesterone prevented ovulation and pregnancy in women.[230][259][260][261][262][263]
Unfortunately, the use of oral progesterone as a hormonal contraceptive was plagued by problems.[246][261] These included the large and by extension expensive doses required, incomplete inhibition of ovulation even at high doses, and a frequent incidence of breakthrough bleeding.[246][261] At the 1955 Tokyo conference, Pincus had also presented the first findings of ovulation inhibition by oral progestins in animals, specifically 19-nortestosterone derivatives like noretynodrel and norethisterone.[261][233] These progestins were far more potent than progesterone, requiring much smaller doses orally.[261][233] By December 1955, inhibition of ovulation by oral noretynodrel and norethisterone had been demonstrated in women.[261] These findings as well as results in animals were published in 1956.[264][265] Noretynodrel and norethisterone did not show the problems associated with oral progesterone—in the studies, they fully inhibited ovulation and did not produce menstruation-related side effects.[261] Consequently, oral progesterone was abandoned as a hormonal contraceptive in women.[246][261] The first birth control pills to be introduced were a noretynodrel-containing product in 1957 and a norethisterone-containing product in 1963, followed by numerous others containing a diversity of progestins.[266] Progesterone itself has never been introduced for use in birth control pills.[267]
More modern clinical studies of oral progesterone demonstrating elevated levels of progesterone and end-organ responses in women, specifically progestational endometrial changes, were published between 1980 and 1983.[268][269][270][271] Up to this point, many clinicians and researchers apparently still thought that oral progesterone was inactive.[271][272][273] It was not until almost half a century after the introduction of progesterone in medicine that a reasonably effective oral formulation of progesterone was marketed.[101]Micronization of progesterone and suspension in oil-filled capsules, which allowed progesterone to be absorbed several-fold more efficiently by the oral route, was first studied in the late 1970s and described in the literature in 1982.[274][270][275] This formulation, known as oral micronized progesterone (OMP), was then introduced for medical use under the brand name Utrogestan in France in 1982.[270][32][31][20] Subsequently, oral micronized progesterone was introduced under the brand name Prometrium in the United States in 1998.[159][276] By 1999, oral micronized progesterone had been marketed in more than 35 countries.[159] In 2019, the first combination of oral estradiol and progesterone was introduced under the brand name Bijuva in the United States.[9][277]
A sustained-release (SR) formulation of oral micronized progesterone, also known as "oral natural micronized progesterone sustained release" or "oral NMP SR", was marketed in India in 2012 under the brand name Gestofit SR.[278][107][279][92] Many additional brand names followed.[107][92] The preparation was originally developed in 1986 by a compounding pharmacy called Madison Pharmacy Associates in Madison, Wisconsin in the United States.[278][279]
Vaginal, rectal, and uterine
Vaginal progesterone suppositories were first studied in women by Robert Greenblatt in 1954.[280][188][281] Shortly thereafter, vaginal progesterone suppositories were introduced for medical use under the brand name Colprosterone in 1955.[282][188] Rectal progesterone suppositories were first studied in men and women by Christian Hamburger in 1965.[283][281] Vaginal and rectal progesterone suppositories were introduced for use under the brand name Cyclogest by 1976.[284][285][286] Vaginal micronized progesterone gels and capsules were introduced for medical use under brand names such as Utrogestan and Crinone in the early 1990s.[101][287] Progesterone was approved in the United States as a vaginal gel in 1997 and as a vaginal insert in 2007.[288][289] A progesterone contraceptive vaginal ring known as Progering was first studied in women in 1985 and continued to be researched through the 1990s.[290][291] It was approved for use as a contraceptive in lactating mothers in Latin America by 2004.[290] A second progesterone vaginal ring known as Fertiring was developed as a progesterone supplement for use during assisted reproduction and was approved in Latin America by 2007.[292][293]
Development of a progesterone-containing intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception began in the 1960s.[294] Incorporation of progesterone into IUDs was initially studied to help reduce the risk of IUD expulsion.[294] However, while addition of progesterone to IUDs showed no benefit on expulsion rates, it was unexpectedly found to induce endometrial atrophy.[294] This led in 1976 to the development and introduction of Progestasert, a progesterone-containing product and the first progestogen-containing IUD.[71][294][25] Unfortunately, the product had various problems that limited its use.[294][25][71] These included a short duration of efficacy of only one year, a high cost, a relatively high 2.9% failure rate, a lack of protection against ectopic pregnancy, and difficult and sometimes painful insertions that could necessitate use of a local anesthetic or analgesic.[294][25][71] As a result of these issues, Progestasert never became widely used, and was discontinued in 2001.[294][25][71] It was used mostly in the United States and France while it was marketed.[25]
Transdermal and topical
A topical gel formulation of progesterone, for direct application to the breasts as a local therapy for breast disorders such as breast pain, was introduced under the brand name Progestogel in Europe by 1972.[295] No transdermal formulations of progesterone for systemic use have been successfully marketed, in spite of efforts of pharmaceutical companies towards this goal.[43][20][296] The low potency of transdermal progesterone has thus far precluded it as a possibility.[297][298][299][121] Although no formulations of transdermal progesterone are approved for systemic use, transdermal progesterone is available in the form of creams and gels from custom compounding pharmacies in some countries, and is also available over-the-counter without a prescription in the United States.[43][44][96] However, these preparations are unregulated and have not been adequately characterized, with low and unsubstantiated effectiveness.[43][20]
Society and culture
Generic names
Progesterone is the generic name of the drug in English and its INNTooltip INN, USANTooltip United States Adopted Name, USPTooltip United States Pharmacopeia, BANTooltip British Approved Name, DCITTooltip Denominazione Comune Italiana, and JANTooltip Japanese Accepted Name, while progestérone is its name in French and its DCFTooltip Dénomination Commune Française.[92][160][161][300] It is also referred to as progesteronum in Latin, progesterona in Spanish and Portuguese, and progesteron in German.[92][161]
Brand names
"Prometrium" redirects here. For the chemical element, see Promethium.
Prometrium 100 mg oral capsule.
Progesterone is marketed under a large number of brand names throughout the world.[92][161] Examples of major brand names under which progesterone has been marketed include Crinone, Crinone 8%, Cyclogest, Endogest, Endometrin, Estima, Geslutin, Gesterol, Gestone, Luteina, Luteinol, Lutigest, Lutinus, Microgest, Progeffik, Progelan, Progendo, Progering, Progest, Progestaject, Progestan, Progesterone, Progestin, Progestogel, Prolutex, Proluton, Prometrium, Prontogest, Strone, Susten, Utrogest, and Utrogestan.[92][161]
Availability
Progesterone is widely available in countries throughout the world in a variety of formulations.[92][93] Progesterone in the form of oral capsules; vaginal capsules, tablets/inserts, and gels; and intramuscular oil have widespread availability.[92][93] The following formulations/routes of progesterone have selective or more limited availability:[92][93]
A tablet of micronized progesterone which is marketed under the brand name Luteina is indicated for sublingual administration in addition to vaginal administration and is available in Poland and Ukraine.[92][93]
A progesterone suppository which is marketed under the brand name Cyclogest is indicated for rectal administration in addition to vaginal administration and is available in Cyprus, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Malta, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.[92][93]
A non-systemic topical gel formulation of progesterone for local application to the breasts to treat breast pain is marketed under the brand name Progestogel and is available in Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Peru, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Venezuela, and Vietnam.[92][93] It was also formerly available in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, but was discontinued in these countries.[93]
A progesterone intrauterine device was previously marketed under the brand name Progestasert and was available in Canada, France, the United States, and possibly other countries, but was discontinued.[93][301]
Progesterone vaginal rings are marketed under the brand names Fertiring and Progering and are available in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.[92][93]
A sustained-release tablet formulation of oral micronized progesterone (also known as "oral natural micronized progesterone sustained release" or "oral NMP SR") is marketed in India under the brand names Lutefix Pro (CROSMAT Technology), Dubagest SR, Gestofit SR, and Susten SR, among many others.[278][302][303][304][305][306][307][279][92]
In addition to single-drug formulations, the following progesterone combination formulations are or have been marketed, albeit with limited availability:[92][93]
A combination pack of progesterone capsules for oral use and estradiol gel for transdermal use is marketed under the brand name Estrogel Propak in Canada.[92][93]
A combination pack of progesterone capsules and estradiol tablets for oral use is marketed in an under the brand name Duogestan in Belgium.[92][93]
Progesterone and estradiol in an aqueous suspension for use by intramuscular injection is marketed under the brand name Cristerona FP in Argentina.[92][93]
Progesterone and estradiol in microspheres in an oil solution for use by intramuscular injection is marketed under the brand name Juvenum in Mexico.[92][93][308]
Progesterone and estradiol benzoate in an oil solution for use by intramuscular injection is marketed under the brand names Duogynon, Duoton Fort T P, Emmenovis, Gestrygen, Lutofolone, Menovis, Mestrolar, Metrigen Fuerte, Nomestrol, Phenokinon-F, Prodiol, Pro-Estramon-S, Proger F, Progestediol, and Vermagest and is available in Belize, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.[92][93]
Progesterone and estradiol hemisuccinate in an oil solution for use by intramuscular injection is marketed under the brand name Hosterona in Argentina.[92][93]
Progesterone and estrone for use by intramuscular injection is marketed under the brand name Synergon in Monaco.[92]
A 25 mg/mL concentration of progesterone oil for intramuscular injection and a 38 mg/device progesterone intrauterine device (Progestasert) have been discontinued.[91]
An oral combination formulation of micronized progesterone and estradiol in oil-filled capsules (brand name Bijuva) is marketed in the United States for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and endometrial hyperplasia.[309][9]
Progesterone is also available in unregulated custom preparations from compounding pharmacies in the United States.[94][95] In addition, transdermal progesterone is available over-the-counter in the United States, although the clinical efficacy of transdermal progesterone is controversial.[43][44][96]
^Pandya MR, Gopeenathan P, Gopinath PM, Das SK, Sauhta M, Shinde V (2016). "Evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of progestogens in the management of threatened and recurrent miscarriage in early pregnancy-A review of the literature". Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research. 3 (2): 157. doi:10.5958/2394-2754.2016.00043.6 (inactive 7 March 2024). ISSN2394-2746. S2CID36586762.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of March 2024 (link)
^Mircioiu C, Perju A, Griu E, Calin G, Neagu A, Enachescu D, et al. (1998). "Pharmacokinetics of progesterone in postmenopausal women: 2. Pharmacokinetics following percutaneous administration". European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. 23 (3): 397–402. doi:10.1007/BF03192300. PMID9842983. S2CID32772029.
^ abcdefgCometti B (November 2015). "Pharmaceutical and clinical development of a novel progesterone formulation". Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 94 (Suppl 161): 28–37. doi:10.1111/aogs.12765. PMID26342177. S2CID31974637. The administration of progesterone in injectable or vaginal form is more efficient than by the oral route, since it avoids the metabolic losses of progesterone encountered with oral administration resulting from the hepatic first-pass effect (32). In addition, the injectable forms avoid the need for higher doses that cause a fairly large number of side-effects, such as somnolence, sedation, anxiety, irritability and depression (33).
^ abcAufrère MB, Benson H (June 1976). "Progesterone: an overview and recent advances". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 65 (6): 783–800. doi:10.1002/jps.2600650602. PMID945344.
^ abcdeWesp LM, Deutsch MB (March 2017). "Hormonal and Surgical Treatment Options for Transgender Women and Transfeminine Spectrum Persons". The Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 40 (1): 99–111. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2016.10.006. PMID28159148.
^ abcdefgEden J (February 2017). "The endometrial and breast safety of menopausal hormone therapy containing micronised progesterone: A short review". The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 57 (1): 12–15. doi:10.1111/ajo.12583. PMID28251642. S2CID206990125.
^Worsley R, Santoro N, Miller KK, Parish SJ, Davis SR (March 2016). "Hormones and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Beyond Estrogens and Androgens--Findings from the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 13 (3): 283–290. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.014. PMID26944460.
^Holzer G, Riegler E, Hönigsmann H, Farokhnia S, Schmidt JB (September 2005). "Effects and side-effects of 2% progesterone cream on the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women: results from a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study". The British Journal of Dermatology. 153 (3): 626–634. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06685.x. PMID16120154. S2CID6077829.
^Copstead-Kirkhorn EC, Banasik JL (25 June 2014). Pathophysiology - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 660–. ISBN978-0-323-29317-4. Throughout the reproductive years, some women note swelling of the breast around the latter part of each menstrual cycle before the onset of menstruation. The water retention and subsequent swelling of breast tissue during this phase of the menstrual cycle are thought to be due to high levels of circulating progesterone stimulating the secretory cells of the breast.
^Farage MA, Neill S, MacLean AB (January 2009). "Physiological changes associated with the menstrual cycle: a review". Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 64 (1): 58–72. doi:10.1097/OGX.0b013e3181932a37. PMID19099613. S2CID22293838.
^da Fonseca EB, Bittar RE, Carvalho MH, Zugaib M (February 2003). "Prophylactic administration of progesterone by vaginal suppository to reduce the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth in women at increased risk: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 188 (2): 419–424. doi:10.1067/mob.2003.41. PMID12592250. S2CID14904733.
^DeFranco EA, O'Brien JM, Adair CD, Lewis DF, Hall DR, Fusey S, et al. (October 2007). "Vaginal progesterone is associated with a decrease in risk for early preterm birth and improved neonatal outcome in women with a short cervix: a secondary analysis from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 30 (5): 697–705. doi:10.1002/uog.5159. PMID17899571. S2CID15577369.
^Czyzyk A, Podfigurna A, Genazzani AR, Meczekalski B (June 2017). "The role of progesterone therapy in early pregnancy: from physiological role to therapeutic utility". Gynecological Endocrinology. 33 (6): 421–424. doi:10.1080/09513590.2017.1291615. PMID28277122. S2CID3610323.
^Wathen PI, Henderson MC, Witz CA (March 1995). "Abnormal uterine bleeding". The Medical Clinics of North America. 79 (2): 329–344. doi:10.1016/S0025-7125(16)30071-2. PMID7877394.
^Grossman D, White K, Harris L, Reeves M, Blumenthal PD, Winikoff B, et al. (September 2015). "Continuing pregnancy after mifepristone and "reversal" of first-trimester medical abortion: a systematic review". Contraception. 92 (3): 206–211. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2015.06.001. PMID26057457.
^Unger WP (1 February 1995). "Androgenetic alopecia and its treatment. A historical overview". Hair Transplantation (Third ed.). Taylor & Francis. pp. 1–33. ISBN978-0-8247-9363-0.
^ abSawaya ME, Shapiro J (January 2000). "Androgenetic alopecia. New approved and unapproved treatments". Dermatologic Clinics. 18 (1): 47–61, viii. doi:10.1016/S0733-8635(05)70146-7. PMID10626111.
^ abPrice VH (1988). "Androgenetic alopecia and hair growth promotion state of the art: present and future". Clinics in Dermatology. 6 (4): 218–227. doi:10.1016/0738-081X(88)90090-9. PMID3063373.
^ abSawaya ME, Hordinsky MK (January 1993). "The antiandrogens. When and how they should be used". Dermatologic Clinics. 11 (1): 65–72. doi:10.1016/S0733-8635(18)30283-3. PMID8435919.
^Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M (September 2013). "Hair loss and herbs for treatment". Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 12 (3): 210–222. doi:10.1111/jocd.12051. PMID23992163. S2CID5094700.
^ abNorth American Menopause Society (2003). "Role of progestogen in hormone therapy for postmenopausal women: position statement of The North American Menopause Society". Menopause. 10 (2): 113–132. doi:10.1097/00042192-200310020-00003. PMID12627037.
^Söderpalm AH, Lindsey S, Purdy RH, Hauger R, de Harriet W (April 2004). "Administration of progesterone produces mild sedative-like effects in men and women". Psychoneuroendocrinology. 29 (3): 339–354. doi:10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00033-7. PMID14644065. S2CID21796848.
^ abKopell BS (1969). "The Role of Progestins and Progesterone in Brain Function and Behavior". Metabolic Effects of Gonadal Hormones and Contraceptive Steroids. Springer. pp. 649–667. doi:10.1007/978-1-4684-1782-1_48. ISBN978-1-4684-1784-5.
^ abMerryman W, Boiman R, Barnes L, Rothchild I (December 1954). "Progesterone anesthesia in human subjects". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 14 (12): 1567–1569. doi:10.1210/jcem-14-12-1567. PMID13211793.
^Arafat ES, Hargrove JT, Maxson WS, Desiderio DM, Wentz AC, Andersen RN (November 1988). "Sedative and hypnotic effects of oral administration of micronized progesterone may be mediated through its metabolites". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 159 (5): 1203–1209. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(88)90448-6. PMID3189454.
^ abcYang Z, Hu Y, Zhang J, Xu L, Zeng R, Kang D (February 2017). "Estradiol therapy and breast cancer risk in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Gynecological Endocrinology. 33 (2): 87–92. doi:10.1080/09513590.2016.1248932. PMID27898258. S2CID205631264.
^Pinna G, Agis-Balboa RC, Pibiri F, Nelson M, Guidotti A, Costa E (October 2008). "Neurosteroid biosynthesis regulates sexually dimorphic fear and aggressive behavior in mice". Neurochemical Research. 33 (10): 1990–2007. doi:10.1007/s11064-008-9718-5. PMID18473173. S2CID19338424.
^Soltysik K, Czekaj P (April 2013). "Membrane estrogen receptors - is it an alternative way of estrogen action?". Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 64 (2): 129–142. PMID23756388.
^Rupprecht R, Reul JM, van Steensel B, Spengler D, Söder M, Berning B, et al. (October 1993). "Pharmacological and functional characterization of human mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor ligands". European Journal of Pharmacology. 247 (2): 145–154. doi:10.1016/0922-4106(93)90072-H. PMID8282004.
^Baulieu E, Schumacher M (2000). "Progesterone as a neuroactive neurosteroid, with special reference to the effect of progesterone on myelination". Steroids. 65 (10–11): 605–612. doi:10.1016/s0039-128x(00)00173-2. PMID11108866. S2CID14952168.
^Oelkers W (December 2000). "Drospirenone--a new progestogen with antimineralocorticoid activity, resembling natural progesterone". The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. 5 (Suppl 3): 17–24. doi:10.1080/14730782.2000.12288986. PMID11246598. S2CID35051390.
^ abZutshi (2005). Hormones in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Jaypee Brothers, Medical Publishers. pp. 74–75. ISBN978-81-8061-427-9. It has been observed that micronized progesterone has no suppressive effects on high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Jensen et al have proved that oral micronized progesterone has no adverse effect on serum lipids. These preparations have the same antiestrogenic and antimineralocorticoid effect but no androgenic action. It does not affect aldosterone synthesis, blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism or mood changes. No side effects have been reported as far as lipid profile, coagulation factors and blood pressure are concerned.[permanent dead link]
^Kuhl H (2011). "Pharmacology of Progestogens"(PDF). Journal für Reproduktionsmedizin und Endokrinologie-Journal of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology. 8 (1): 157–177.
^Basu K, Mitra AK (1990). "Effects of 3-hydrazone modification on the metabolism and protein binding of progesterone". International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 65 (1–2): 109–114. doi:10.1016/0378-5173(90)90015-V. ISSN0378-5173.
^Wali B, Sayeed I, Guthrie DB, Natchus MG, Turan N, Liotta DC, et al. (October 2016). "Evaluating the neurotherapeutic potential of a water-soluble progesterone analog after traumatic brain injury in rats". Neuropharmacology. 109: 148–158. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.05.017. PMID27267687. S2CID19906601.
^US 9802978, Guthrie DA, Lockwood MA, Natchus MG, Liotta DC, Stein DG, Sayeed I, "Progesterone phosphate analogs and uses related thereto", issued 31 October 2017, assigned to Emory University.
^MacNevin CJ, Atif F, Sayeed I, Stein DG, Liotta DC (October 2009). "Development and screening of water-soluble analogues of progesterone and allopregnanolone in models of brain injury". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 52 (19): 6012–6023. doi:10.1021/jm900712n. PMID19791804. S2CID23608386.
^ abReifenstein EC (1944). "Endocrinology: A Synopsis of Normal and Pathologic Physiology, Diagnostic Procedures, and Therapy". Medical Clinics of North America. 28 (5): 1232–1276. doi:10.1016/S0025-7125(16)36180-6. ISSN0025-7125.
^Kaufman C (1933). "Die Behandlung der Amenorrhöe mit Hohen Dosen der Ovarialhormone" [Treatment of Amenorrhea with High Doses of Ovarian Hormones]. Klinische Wochenschrift. 12 (40): 1557–1562. doi:10.1007/BF01765673. ISSN0023-2173. S2CID25856898.
^Mishell DR (1941). "A clinical study of progesterone therapy by pellet implantation". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 41 (4): 687–693. doi:10.1016/S0002-9378(41)90665-8. ISSN0002-9378.
^Greenblatt RB, Suran RR (February 1949). "Indications for hormonal pellets in the therapy of endocrine and gynecic disorders". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 57 (2): 294–301. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(49)90429-9. PMID18123090.
^ abcdRauscher H (1960). "Therapie mit Depotgestagenen". Moderne Entwicklungen auf dem Gestagengebiet. Symposion der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Endokrinologie. Springer. pp. 87–92. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-25301-4_11. ISBN978-3-662-23272-9.
^ abcdeGreenblatt RB, Clark SL (March 1957). "The use of newer progestational preparations in clinical practice". The Medical Clinics of North America. 41 (2): 587–603. doi:10.1016/S0025-7125(16)34457-1. PMID13407238.
^Croxatto HB, Díaz S (1987). "The place of progesterone in human contraception". Journal of Steroid Biochemistry. 27 (4–6): 991–994. doi:10.1016/0022-4731(87)90179-8. PMID3320572.
^Shaaban MM (1991). "Contraception with progestogens and progesterone during lactation". The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 40 (4–6): 705–710. doi:10.1016/0960-0760(91)90294-F. PMID1835650. S2CID25152238.
^Croxatto HB, Díaz S, Peralta O, Juez G, Casado ME, Salvatierra AM, et al. (September 1982). "Fertility regulation in nursing women. II. Comparative performance of progesterone implants versus placebo and copper T". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 144 (2): 201–208. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(82)90628-7. PMID7114130.
^Díaz S, Peralta O, Juez G, Herreros C, Casado ME, Salvatierra AM, et al. (October 1984). "Fertility regulation in nursing women. VI. Contraceptive effectiveness of a subdermal progesterone implant". Contraception. 30 (4): 311–325. doi:10.1016/S0010-7824(84)80023-2. PMID6509984.
^Koref O, Engel P (March 1946). "Administration of progesterone in the form of microcrystals". Endocrinology. 38 (3): 214–215. doi:10.1210/endo-38-3-214. PMID21025113.
^Bradbury JT, Long RC, Durham WC (1953). "Progesterone and estrogen requirements to induce and maintain decidua". Fertility and Sterility. 4 (1): 63–75. doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(16)31145-1. PMID13021207.
^Lens J, Overbeek GA, Polderman J (1949). "The effect of sex hormones in some organic solvents; emulsified in water". Acta Endocrinologica. 2 (4): 396–404. doi:10.1530/acta.0.0020396. PMID18140399.
^Ferin J (January 1952). "Relative duration of action of natural and synthetic estrogens administered parenterally in women with estrogen deficiency". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 12 (1): 28–35. doi:10.1210/jcem-12-1-28. PMID14907837.
^Overbeek CA (1952). "Some Data on Emulsions of Steroid Hormones". Ciba Foundation Symposium - Steroid Hormone Administration (Book II of Colloquia on Endocrinology, Vol. 3). Novartis Foundation Symposia. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 254–262. doi:10.1002/9780470715154.ch2. ISBN978-0-470-71515-4. ISSN1935-4657.
^Von Numers C (1951). "Simultaneous treatment of secondary amenorrhoea with oestrogen and progesterone". Acta Endocrinologica. 6 (1): 67–89. doi:10.1530/acta.0.0060067. PMID14810456.
^ abcAlvarez-Sanchez F, Brache V, Faundes A (December 1993). "Recent experience with and future directions of contraceptive implants and injectable contraceptives". Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 5 (6): 805–814. doi:10.1097/00001703-199312000-00016. PMID8286694.
^Garza-Flores J, Fatinikun T, Hernandez L, Ramos I, Cardenas M, Menjivar M (July 1991). "A pilot study on the assessment of a progesterone/estradiol sustained release as once-a-month-injectable contraceptive". Contraception. 44 (1): 45–59. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(91)90105-o. PMID1893701.
^Basic Sex Hormone Therapy. Schering A.G. 1962. p. 93,96. Intravenous: The intravenous injection of sex hormones is restricted mainly to specific circumstances where a speedy elevation of hormone levels is required, for example, in treatment of threatened abortion. [...] Crystalline Suspension: With crystalline suspensions the crystalline size governs the rate of absorption and therefore the duration of action. The lack of standardisation of crystalline size in commercial products plus the limits imposed by needle bore, introduces marked variations in effect. The results from emulsified forms are even more unreliable. [...] Hormone Pellets for Implantation: The subcutaneous implantation of sterile tablets was the first means of achieving prolonged action. Such possible factors as encapsulation or extrusion and diminished absorption as the surface area of the pellet is reduced, may be a drawback. Implantation of testosterone (about eight 100 mg. pellets), repeated 6-monthly, is a satisfactory treatment for eunuchoidism and implantation of oestradiol (a 50 mg. pellet remains active for about a year or more) is sometimes a useful procedure. The implantation of progesterone is best discarded altogether; extrusion of pellets (even when placed beneath the deep fascia) and slowness of absorption, in relation to metabolic requirements, make it unsatisfactory and the new depot hormones should be given preference. [...] Sex Hormone Preparations of Schering A.G. Berlin [...] Trade Name: Primolut intravenous. Chemical Description: Progesterone in aqueous solution. Packing: Ampoules of 1 c. c. = 20 mg.
^Tausk M (1968). "Practically applicable results of twenty years of research in endocrinology". In Jucker E (ed.). Progress in Drug Research / Fortschritte der Arzneimittelforschung / Progrès des recherches pharmaceutiques. Vol. 12. Basel: Birkhäuser. pp. 137–164. doi:10.1007/978-3-0348-7065-8_3. ISBN978-3-0348-7067-2. PMID4307936. ((cite book)): |journal= ignored (help)
^ abcdBickers W (August 1949). "Progesterone; a comparison of intramuscular, oral and sublingual routes of administration". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 9 (8): 736–742. doi:10.1210/jcem-9-8-736. PMID18133494.
^ abcdGreenblatt RB, Barfield WE, Clark S, Brown N (August 1950). "Physiologic effectiveness of oral progesterone". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 10 (8): 886–896. doi:10.1210/jcem-10-8-886. PMID15436649.
^Bickers W (July 1952). "Menstrual arrhythmias; oral estrogen and progesterone therapy". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 64 (1): 148–154. doi:10.1016/s0002-9378(16)38745-2. PMID14933526.
^ abFischer RH, McCOLGAN SP (September 1953). "Progesterone metabolism. II. Pregnanediol excretion following oral, sublingual and parenteral administration of progesterone". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 13 (9): 1043–1053. doi:10.1210/jcem-13-9-1043. PMID13084722.
^ abFrank R, Guterman HS (1954). "Comparison of progesterone preparations in secondary amenorrhea". Fertility and Sterility. 5 (4): 374–381. doi:10.1016/S0015-0282(16)31687-9. PMID13183192.
^ abKupperman HS, Lefkovics SC (1957). "Progesterone in problems of sterility; diagnostic and therapeutic use". Fertility and Sterility. 8 (2): 131–46, discussion, 146–8. doi:10.1016/S0015-0282(16)32642-5. PMID13405054.
^Abrams RE (February 1953). "Modern medicinals in review". American Journal of Pharmacy and the Sciences Supporting Public Health. 125 (2): 49–69. PMID13030701. Cyclogesterin. A relatively new approach to progesterone therapy, Cyclogesterin establishes that this hormone can be effective by the oral route. Primarily indicated to induce menstruation in secondary amenorrhea by oral therapy, it contains 30 mg. of progesterone and 1 mg. of mixed natural estrogens per tablet. One tablet is given three times daily for five consecutive days and therapy is stopped. Menstruation follows in one to six days in the non-pregnant patient. The product is manufactured by the Upjohn Company.
^Greenblatt RB, Rose FD (June 1962). "Delay of menses: test of progestational efficacy in induction of pseudopregnancy". Obstetrics and Gynecology. 19: 730–735. PMID13901505.
^Greenblatt RB (1944). "Sublingual Absorption of Progesterone and Anhydrohydroxyprogesterone". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 4 (4): 156–158. doi:10.1210/jcem-4-4-156. ISSN0021-972X.
^Greenblatt RB (1944). "Perlingual Absorption of Progesterone and Anhydrohydroxyprogesterone1,2". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 4 (7): 321–325. doi:10.1210/jcem-4-7-321. ISSN0021-972X.
^Soule SD, Yanow M (July 1953). "Recovery of pregnanediol from urine following administration of oral anhydrohydroxyprogesterone, buccal progesterone, and intramuscular progesterone". Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2 (1): 68–72. PMID13073082.
^ abcdefPincus G, Bialy G (1964). Drugs Used in Control of Reproduction. Advances in Pharmacology. Vol. 3. Academic Press. pp. 285–313. doi:10.1016/S1054-3589(08)61115-1. ISBN978-0-12-032903-8. PMID14232795. The original observation of Makepeace et al. (1937) that progesterone inhibited ovulation in the rabbit was substantiated by Pincus and Chang (1953). In women, 300 mg of progesterone per day taken orally resulted in ovulation inhibition in 80% of cases (Pincus, 1956). The high dosage and frequent incidence of breakthrough bleeding limited the practical application of the method. Subsequently, the utilization of potent 19-norsteroids, which could be given orally, opened the field to practical oral contraception.
^ abChang MC (September 1978). "Development of the oral contraceptives". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 132 (2): 217–219. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(78)90928-6. PMID356615.
^Makepeace AW, Weinstein GL, Friedman MH (1937). "The effect of progestin and progesterone on ovulation in the rabbit". American Journal of Physiology. Legacy Content. 119 (3): 512–516. doi:10.1152/ajplegacy.1937.119.3.512. ISSN0002-9513.
^Astwood EB, Fevold HL (1939). "Action of progesterone on the gonadotropic activity of the pituitary". American Journal of Physiology. Legacy Content. 127 (1): 192–198. doi:10.1152/ajplegacy.1939.127.1.192. ISSN0002-9513.
^Pincus G, Chang MC (1953). "The effects of progesterone and related compounds on ovulation and early development in the rabbit". Acta Physiologica Latino Americana. 3 (2–3): 177–183. PMID13138262.
^Slechta RF, Chang MC, Pincus G (1954). "Effects of progesterone and related compounds on mating and pregnancy in the rat". Fertility and Sterility. 5 (3): 282–293. doi:10.1016/S0015-0282(16)31628-4. PMID13162007.
^ abcdDiczfalusy E (December 1965). "Probable mode of action of oral contraceptives". British Medical Journal. 2 (5475): 1394–1399. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.5475.1394. PMC1847181. PMID5848673. At the Fifth International Conference on Planned Parenthood in Tokyo, Pincus (1955) reported an ovulation inhibition by progesterone or norethynodrel1 taken orally by women. This report indicated the beginning of a new era in the history of contraception. [...] That the cervical mucus might be one of the principal sites of action was suggested by the first studies of Pincus (1956, 1959) and of Ishikawa et al. (1957). These investigators found that no pregnancies occurred in women treated orally with large doses of progesterone, though ovulation was inhibited only in some 70% of the cases studied. [...] The mechanism of protection in this method—and probably in that of Pincus (1956) and of Ishikawa et al. (1957)—must involve an effect on the cervical mucus and/or endometrium and Fallopian tubes.
^Stone A, Kupperman HS (1955). "The Effects of Progesterone on Ovulation: A Preliminary Report". The Fifth International Conference on Planned Parenthood: Theme, Overpopulation and Family Planning: Report of the Proceedings, 24-29 October, 1955, Tokyo, Japan. International Planned Parenthood Federation. p. 185. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019. The results of testing the effects of progesterone on ovulation in 13 patients at the Margaret Sanger Research Bureau are presented. The patients had normal menstrual cycles and showed clear evidence of ovulation. Each patient was given 1000 [mg] of [oral] progesterone daily during the midperiod for 10 or 12 days during 16 cycles. Ovulation was inhibited in 6 cycles. No disturbance in menstrual rhythm was observed. 3 of 12 patients with longstanding infertility histories became pregnant within 2–4 months after the cessation of progesterone therapy.
^Pincus G (1956). "Some effects of progesterone and related compounds upon reproduction and early development in mammals". Acta Endocrinologica. Supplementum. 23 (Suppl 28): 18–36. doi:10.1530/acta.0.023S018. PMID13394044. S2CID33729147.
^Ishikawa M, Fujii K, Furusawa Y, Kobayashi T, Makino T, Matsumoto S, et al. "Unknown". J. Jap. Family Plann. Ass. 2: 51–56.
^Pincus G (1959). "Progestational Agents and the Control of Fertility". Vitamins and Hormones: Advances in Research and Applications. Vitamins & Hormones. Vol. 17. Academic Press. pp. 307–324. doi:10.1016/S0083-6729(08)60274-5. ISBN978-0-12-709817-3. ISSN0083-6729. Ishikawa et al. (1957) employing the same regime of progesterone administration also observed suppression of ovulation in a proportion of the cases taken to laparotomy. Although sexual intercourse was practised freely by the subjects of our experiments and those of Ishikawa el al., no pregnancies occurred. Since ovulation presumably took place in a proportion of cycles, the lack of any pregnancies may be due to chance, but Ishikawa et al. (1957) have presented data indicating that in women receiving oral progesterone the cervical mucus becomes impenetrable to sperm.
^Perone N (1993). "The history of steroidal contraceptive development: the progestins". Perspectives in Biology and Medicine. 36 (3): 347–362. doi:10.1353/pbm.1993.0054. PMID8506121. S2CID46312750.
^ abcdefghRamírez de Arellano AB, Seipp C (10 October 2017). Colonialism, Catholicism, and Contraception: A History of Birth Control in Puerto Rico. University of North Carolina Press. pp. 106–112. ISBN978-1-4696-4001-3. [...] Still, neither of the two researchers was completely satisfied with the results. Progesterone tended to cause "premature menses," or breakthrough bleeding, in approximately 20 percent of the cycles, an occurrence that disturbed the patients and worried Rock.17 in addition, Pincus was concerned about the failure to inhibit ovulation in all the cases. Only large doses of orally administered progesterone could insure the suppression of ovulation, and these doses were expensive. The mass use of this regimen as a birth control method was thus seriously imperiled.18 [...]
^Marsh M, Ronner W (31 October 2008). The Fertility Doctor: John Rock and the Reproductive Revolution. JHU Press. pp. 333–. ISBN978-1-4214-0208-6. 43. The first study used progesterone continuously rather than cyclically. Women began by taking 5 mg of stilbestrol and 50 mg of progesterone, increasing the dose of stilbestrol by 5 mg and of progesterone by 50 mg every two weeks. By the end of twelve weeks, women were taking 30 mg stilbestrol and 300 mg of progesterone. If they had vaginal bleeding at any time, the doses were increased. "Pseudopregnancy," typescript, 15 July 1954, GP-LC. Rock also summarizes his early studies in John Rock, Celso-Ramon Garcia, and Gregory Pincus, "Synthetic Progestins in the Normal Human Menstrual Cycle," Recent Progress in Hormone Research, vol. 13 (New York: Academic Press, 1957), 323-24.
^Watkins ES (14 September 2001). On the Pill: A Social History of Oral Contraceptives, 1950-1970. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN978-1-4214-0371-7. In the early 1950s, independent of Pincus's work in Worcester, Rock successfully induced pregnancy in previously infertile women by treating them for several months with estrogen and progesterone. Although the steroids prevented pregnancy during the course of therapy, some of the women conceived when the treatment ended; this phenomenon became known as the "Rock rebound effect."58 When Pincus learned of Rock's work, he asked the physician to join forces in the hunt for an ovulation inhibitor, and Rock agreed. Pincus suggested two changes in the experimental regimen: use only progesterone (estrogen promoted cancer in laboratory animals) and administer the hormone for twenty days each month (to allow a period of menstruation). Rock achieved the same rate of success in curing infertility (about 15%), but a significant problem remained: tests indicated that about 15 percent of the women ovulated while taking the progesterone.59 Pincus and Rock needed to find an orally active compound that would completely inhibit ovulation. It was time to test the 19-nor steroids in humans. [...]
^Christin-Maitre S (February 2013). "History of oral contraceptive drugs and their use worldwide". Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 27 (1): 3–12. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2012.11.004. PMID23384741.
^ abcMorville R, Dray F, Reynier J, Barrat J (1982). "[The bioavailability of natural progesterone given by mouth. Measurement of steroid concentrations in plasma, endometrium and breast tissue]" [The bioavailability of natural progesterone given by mouth. Measurement of steroid concentrations in plasma, endometrium and breast tissue]. Journal de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction (in French). 11 (3): 355–363. PMID7119381.
^Adlercreutz H, Martin F (February 1980). "Biliary excretion and intestinal metabolism of progesterone and estrogens in man". Journal of Steroid Biochemistry. 13 (2): 231–244. doi:10.1016/0022-4731(80)90196-X. PMID6991820. It is generally accepted that orally administered progesterone has little biological effect.
^Hargrove JT, Maxson WS, Wentz AC (October 1989). "Absorption of oral progesterone is influenced by vehicle and particle size". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 161 (4): 948–951. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(89)90759-X. PMID2801843.
^Greenblatt RB (December 1954). "The physiologic effectiveness of progesterone vaginal suppositories". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 14 (12): 1564–1567. doi:10.1210/jcem-14-12-1564. PMID13211792.
^Hamburger C (1965). "Administration of Progesterone in the Form of Suppositories". Acta Endocrinologica. 49 (3_Suppl): S101. doi:10.1530/acta.0.049S101. ISSN0804-4643.
^Friend DR (October 2016). "Development of controlled release systems over the past 50years in the area of contraception". Journal of Controlled Release. 240: 235–241. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.12.043. PMID26732558.
^ abcdefgRose S, Chaudhari A, Peterson CM (August 2009). "Mirena (Levonorgestrel intrauterine system): a successful novel drug delivery option in contraception". Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 61 (10): 808–812. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2009.04.022. PMID19445984.
^Unfer V, di Renzo GC, Gerli S, Casini ML (2006). "The Use of Progesterone in Clinical Practice: Evaluation of its Efficacy in Diverse Indications Using Different Routes of Administration". Current Drug Therapy. 1 (2): 211–219. doi:10.2174/157488506776930923.
^Unfer V, Casini ML, Marelli G, Costabile L, Gerli S, Di Renzo GC (August 2005). "Different routes of progesterone administration and polycystic ovary syndrome: a review of the literature". Gynecological Endocrinology. 21 (2): 119–127. doi:10.1080/09513590500170049. PMID16109599. S2CID24890723.
^Purandare AC, Hajare A, Krishnaprasad K, Bhargava A (2014). "Prescription event monitoring study to assess the safety profile of oral natural micronized progesterone sustained release in India". International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences. 3 (4): 975. doi:10.5958/2319-5886.2014.00034.4 (inactive 7 March 2024). ISSN2319-5886.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of March 2024 (link)
^Haleem S, Khan MI (March 2015). "Changing Indian Market Trends of NMP: A Review". International Journal of Pharma Research & Review. 4 (3): 28–30.
^Heller CG, Laidlaw WM, Harvey HT, Nelson WO (July 1958). "Effects of progestational compounds on the reproductive processes of the human male". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 71 (5): 649–665. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1958.tb54641.x. PMID13583821. S2CID32637425.
^Heller CG, Moore DJ, Paulsen CA, Nelson WO, Laidlaw WM (December 1959). "Effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on the reproductive physiology of normal men". Federation Proceedings. 18: 1057–1065. PMID14400846.
