Progesterone: characteristics and functions of this sex hormone

One of the most important hormones, both for the nervous system and for the rest of the body.

Testosterone, estrogens and progesterone are undoubtedly the best known hormones related to sexuality. Although the last two have traditionally been associated with women and the first with men, the truth is that they are three hormones that both men and women have in their bodies (although at different levels). Of these three, the ones most remembered by the majority of the population are testosterone and estrogens, progesterone is often relegated to a secondary role.. However, we are dealing with a hormone of great relevance for the organism, whose importance and roles we are going to talk about throughout this article.

Progesterone: general characteristics

Progesterone is known as one of the main sex hormones secreted by the body.. Progesterone is a steroid of great relevance, being in fact considered as a precursor substance of both testosterone and estrogens.

It is mainly linked to female sexuality, being secreted mainly in the ovaries (being the corpus luteum of these that emits it) and the placenta. This secretion presents great increases in the moments after ovulation, being linked to the thickening of the endometrium. However, the ovaries and placenta are not the only places where progesterone can be found, as it is also synthesized in small quantities by the adrenal glands.

This hormone is especially known for its role in reproduction.It is a key factor in our body, especially at the time of pregnancy and gestation, although it has a large number of associated roles and roles in our organism. Its production at the ovarian level begins with the first menstruation and varies throughout the life cycle. Large variations can be observed after ovulation, in pregnancy and menopause, as well as in different medical conditions such as adrenal hyperplasia.

Also present in males

Although we generally identify progesterone with the female gender, the truth is that, as with testosterone and estrogens, it is a hormone that is present in both sexes. Although its main point of synthesis is the ovaries, as we have said, it is also secreted in the glands of the ovaries. is also secreted in the adrenal glands..

In addition, in the case of men it is also synthesized in a very small amount by the seminal vesicles. Thus, although it predominates in women, men also possess a certain amount (although very minor in comparison to that of women) of progesterone in their organism.

Some of the main functions of this hormone

As we have indicated above, progesterone is a very important hormone for the human organism. Although some of the most recognized ones occur in the female gender, they also alter and are linked to different roles and functions in men Among the multiple roles that this hormone plays, some of the most outstanding ones are the following.

It prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation.

One of the best known roles of progesterone has to do with the reproductive function. Progesterone actively participates in the preparation of the endometrium for embryo implantation. actively participates in the preparation of the endometriumThis thickening is intended to facilitate a possible implantation of a fertilized ovum.

2. Contributes to the maintenance of pregnancy

In the same area as the previous point, the action of progesterone allows the pregnancy to be maintained over time by not allowing the existence of changes in the endometrium that could generate the detachment of the embryo, such as those inherent to the menstrual cycle. It paralyzes and slows down the action of estrogens and other hormones..

3. Regulates the menstrual cycle

The presence of low levels of progesterone has been associated with the presence of irregular and abnormal menstruation, and exogenous progesterone is often prescribed to improve the regularity of the menstrual cycle. in order to improve the regularity of the cycles..

4. Linked to libido

Although we tend to think more about other hormones when we talk about sexual desire, progesterone has been shown in various research studies to be related to the level and experience of sexual desire and sensuality.

5. Action on the brain

Progesterone not only has effects at the sexual and reproductive level, but also generates effects at the nervous system level. Specifically, it has been observed that a depressogenic effect, decreasing nervous activation and generating a relaxation of the nervous system. and generating a relaxation of the nervous system. In fact, it facilitates physical relaxation and sleep, having sedative effects. Different studies seem to reflect that it also has Antidepressant and anxiolytic action.

In addition, in the brain it has been detected that it has neuroprotective effects that hinder neuronal degeneration, as well as the fact that it contributes to regulate apoptosis or programmed cell death.

6. Growth and maturation

Progesterone is also a relevant hormone with regard to sexual maturation and physical development. For example, it is linked to the onset of puberty, for example, it is linked to the onset of puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteristics (especially in women).

7. A role in the skeleton

The formation, strength and maintenance of bone density are also affected by progesterone. Specifically, this hormone has been associated with increased functionality of osteoblasts, which facilitates the generation and formation of osteoblasts.which facilitates the generation and formation of bone.

8. Breastfeeding

Progesterone helps the development and growth of the breasts and mammary glands in women, as well as helping to prepare them for lactation during gestation. However, the emission of milk itself is linked to prolactin.

9. Contributes to glycemic regulation

Another of the multiple roles and roles of progesterone is their role in regulating glucose levels in both women and men.in both women and men.

10. Action on the endocrine system

The role of progesterone also extends to the endocrine system, and it is considered a precursor substance of both estrogens and testosterone. It also participates in the regulation of the synthesis and release of adrenal hormones.

11. Contributes to the prevention of neoplasms

Progesterone also plays an important role in the male organism, contributing among other aspects to to avoid the hyperplasia of the prostate and the appearance and expansion of cancer in this point of the organism. in this part of the body. This is due, among other factors, to the fact that progesterone prevents testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone.

12. Produces temperature increase

The presence of progesterone has been associated with an increase in temperature in different parts of the body, which is associated with the maintenance of vital organs. Specifically, this increase appears in the torso and abdomen, increasing blood flow to these areas.

13. It is linked to the immune system

Progesterone is also considered to act on the immune system, facilitating the body's protection. It also helps to ensure that pregnancy is not considered a harmful agent and that the immune system does not react against the fetus by producing immunosuppression of some components of the immune system, while at the same time it allows some types of leukocytes to interact with the endothelium to facilitate embryo implantation.. It has also been seen to improve the immunity of the organism, as occurs for example at the level of the intestinal mucosa.

14. Regulates body fat

Progesterone is diuretic and has also been associated with lipid control and management. lipid control and management. Among other effects, it participates in the transformation of lipids into energy, as well as in managing the accumulation of fats in different parts of the body.

Disorders and alterations to which it is linked

This hormone is of great importance for the organism, and its lack or excess can generate different repercussions or can mitigate the effect of different alterations.

For example, it has been observed that progesterone inhibits the effect of estrogensThis has sometimes been used in the treatment of problems such as endometriosis. Lack of progesterone is also associated with more liquid, abundant and irregular menstruation. Likewise, progesterone-containing drugs are often prescribed to reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovaries.

It also prevents hypothyroidism generated by high estrogen levels. In the same way, it is observed that its presence in adequate levels hinders the presence of spontaneous miscarriages.. In men, it protects against prostate cancer.

On the other hand, an excess of this hormone has been associated with the presence of drowsiness, nausea, cramps and headaches. It can also cause breast hypersensitivity, decreased libido, mood swings (linked to premenstrual dysphoric syndrome) and fluid and fat retention.

Bibliographic references

• Finkelstein, J.S. et al. (2013). Gonadal steroids and Body Composition, Strength and Sexual Function in Men, The New England Journal of Medicine 369; 1011-1022.
• Gibson, C.L.; Gray, L.J.; Bath, P.M. & Murphy, S.P. (2008). Progesterone for the treatment of experimental brain injury; a systematic review. Brain 131 (Pt 2): 318-28.