Progestogen: Difference between revisions
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The progestagens are one of the five major classes of steroid hormones, in addition to the [[estrogens]], [[androgens]], [[mineralocorticoids]], and [[glucocorticoids]] |
The progestagens are one of the five major classes of steroid hormones, in addition to the [[estrogens]], [[androgens]], [[mineralocorticoids]], and [[glucocorticoids]]. All progestagens are characterized by their basic 21 carbon skeleton, called a pregnane skeleton (C21). Similarly, the estrogens possess an estrane skeleton (C18) and androgens, an andrane skeleton (C19). |
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Progestagens are named for their function in maintaining pregnancy (pro gestational), although they are also present at other phases of the estrous and menstrual cycles. Although the progestagen class of hormones includes all steroids with a pregnane skeleton, exogenous or synthetic hormones are usually referred to as [[progestins]]. |
Progestagens are named for their function in maintaining pregnancy (pro gestational), although they are also present at other phases of the estrous and menstrual cycles. Although the progestagen class of hormones includes all steroids with a pregnane skeleton, exogenous or synthetic hormones are usually referred to as [[progestins]]. |
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Revision as of 22:57, 20 November 2008
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The progestagens are one of the five major classes of steroid hormones, in addition to the estrogens, androgens, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids. All progestagens are characterized by their basic 21 carbon skeleton, called a pregnane skeleton (C21). Similarly, the estrogens possess an estrane skeleton (C18) and androgens, an andrane skeleton (C19).
Progestagens are named for their function in maintaining pregnancy (pro gestational), although they are also present at other phases of the estrous and menstrual cycles. Although the progestagen class of hormones includes all steroids with a pregnane skeleton, exogenous or synthetic hormones are usually referred to as progestins.
Uses
Birth control
- Progestogens are used alone in progestogen only pills, or with an estrogen in combined oral contraceptive pills, a contraceptive patch, and a contraceptive vaginal ring.
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) and norethindrone enantate (Noristerat) are used by depot injection.
- Etonogestrol is released by subcutaneous implants (Implanon). Norplant and Jadelle implants release levonorgestrel.
- Levonorgestrel is released by the intrauterine system IUS (Mirena).
Antiandrogen
Progestinic compounds decrease luteinizing hormone (LH) levels[1] and as such, will have antiandrogenic properties in trans-women and cisgender males alike, due to decreased LH stimulation of the testes. Cyproterone is a common example of a progestinic medication, and is an effective antiandrogen, which has the added benefit of blocking androgen receptors in addition to the progestinic feedback to decrease LH levels.
Progestogen withdrawal bleeding
In a normal menstrual cycle, a sudden drop in progesterone levels triggers menstruation. Norethindrone acetate (brand name Aygestin) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (brand name Provera) may be used to artificially induce progestogen withdrawal bleeding. [citation needed]
References / Citations
- ^ T.B. Hatlera, S.H. Hayesa, D.L. Raya, P.S. Reamesa and W.J. Silvia "Effect of subluteal concentrations of progesterone on luteinizing hormone and ovulation in lactating dairy cows", The Veterinary Journal
Berg, J. Synthesizing the molecules of life. In: Biochemistry, 5th ed. Ed: Berg J, Tymoczko J, Stryer L. Ch. 26.4