Progesterone: characteristics and functions of this sexual hormone
Testosterone, estrogen and progesterone are undoubtedly the most known hormones linked to sexuality. Although traditionally the last two have been associated to the woman and the first to the man, the truth is that it is about three hormones that both men and women have in their organism (although in different levels). Among these three the most remembered by the majority of the population are testosterone and estrogen, often being progesterone relegated to a secondary role . However, this is a hormone of great relevance to the organism, whose importance and roles we will talk about throughout this article.
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Progesterone: general characteristics
It is known as progesterone a 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 estrogen.
It is mainly linked to female sexuality, being secreted mainly in the ovaries (being the corpus luteum of these what emits it) and the placenta. This secretion presents large increases in the later moments of ovulation, linked to the thickening of the endometrium. However, ovaries and plaques are not the only points in which progesterone can be found, which is also synthesized in small amounts by the adrenal glands.
This hormone is especially known for its role in reproduction , and especially at the time of pregnancy and gestation, although it has a large number of roles and roles in our body. Its production at the ovarian level begins with the first menstruation and varies throughout the life cycle. Great variations can be observed after ovulation, in pregnancy and in menopause, as well as in different medical conditions such as adrenal hyperplasia.
Also present in males
Although generally thinking about progesterone we identify with the female gender, the truth is that as with testosterone and estrogen, it is a hormone that is present in both sexes. And is that despite its main point of synthesis are the ovaries, as we said it 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 have a certain amount (although very minor compared to that of women) of progesterone in their body.
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Some of the main functions of this hormone
As we have previously indicated, progesterone is a very important hormone for the human organism. While some of the most recognized are in the female gender, they also alter and are linked to different roles and functions in men. Among the multiple roles played by this hormone, some of the most prominent are the following.
1. Prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation
One of the most well-known roles of progesterone has to do with reproductive function. And is that progesterone actively participates in the preparation of the endometrium , producing its thickening in order to facilitate the possible implantation of a fertilized ovule.
2. Contributes to the maintenance of pregnancy
In the same area as the previous point, the action of progesterone allows 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 of the menstrual cycle. Stops and slows 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 menstruations, being often prescribed exogenous progesterone in order to improve the regularity of the cycles .
4. It is linked to the libido
Although we tend to think more about other hormones when we talk about sexual desire, progesterone has shown in various investigations to have a relationship with the level and experience of sexual desire and sensuality.
5. Action on the brain
Progesterone not only has effects on the sexual and reproductive level, but also generates effects at the nervous system level. Specifically, it has been observed that generates a depressant effect, decreasing nerve activation and generating a relaxation of said 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, the brain has been found to have neuroprotective effects that hinder neuronal degeneration, as well as the fact that it helps regulate apoptosis or programmed cell death.
6. Growth and maturation
Progesterone is also a relevant hormone in terms of sexual maturation and physical development. For example, is linked to the onset of puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteristics (the latter especially in women).
7. A paper in the bone
The formation, strength and maintenance of bone density are also affected by progesterone. Specifically, this hormone has been associated with greater functionality of osteoblasts , which facilitates the generation and formation of bone
8. Breastfeeding
Progesterone helps the development and growth of breast breasts and mammary glands in women, in addition to helping to prepare them for breastfeeding during pregnancy. However, the milk emission itself is linked to prolactin.
9. Contributes to glycemic regulation
Another of the multiple roles and roles of progesterone is their participation in regulating glucose levels , both in women and men.
10. Action on the endocrine system
The role of progesterone also extends to the endocrine system, and is considered a precursor substance of both estrogen and testosterone. It also participates in the regulation of the synthesis and emission of adrenal hormones.
11. Contributes to avoid neoplasms
Progesterone also plays an important role in the male organism, contributing among other aspects to avoid prostate hyperplasia and the emergence of and expansion of cancer at this point in the body. This is due, among other factors, to the fact that progesterone prevents testosterone from becoming dihydrotestosterone.
12. Produce temperature increase
The presence of progesterone has been associated with increased temperature in different parts of the body, something associated with the maintenance of vital organs. Specifically, said increase appears in the torso and abdomen, increasing blood flow to these areas.
13. It is linked to the immune system
It is considered that progesterone also acts on the immune system, facilitating the protection of the organism. It also contributes to pregnancy is not considered a harmful agent and there is no reaction of the immune system against the fetus to produce immunosuppression of some components of the system at the same time allows some types of leukocytes to interact with the endothelium to facilitate implantation of the embryo . 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 control and lipid management . Among other effects, it participates in these being transformed into energy, at the same time as 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, its lack or excess being able to generate different repercussions or being able to mitigate the effect of different alterations.
For example, it has been observed that progesterone inhibits the effect of estrogen , something that has been used sometimes in the treatment of problems such as endometriosis. The lack of progesterone is also associated with more liquid menstruation, abundant and irregular. Also, drugs containing progesterone are often prescribed in order to reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovaries.
It also prevents hypothyroidism generated by high levels of estrogen. In the same way, it is observed that their presence at adequate levels hinders the presence of spontaneous abortions . 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 changes (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
