Physiology, Progesterone

Excerpt

Progesterone is an endogenous steroid hormone that is commonly produced by the adrenal cortex as well as the gonads, which consist of the ovaries and the testes. Progesterone is also secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum during the first ten weeks of pregnancy, followed by the placenta in the later phase of pregnancy. The conversion of progesterone generation from the corpus luteum to the placenta generally occurs after week ten. The molecule progesterone is a derivative of cholesterol and has numerous functions in the human body, especially within the reproductive system. This article seeks to review the function, physiology, clinical indications, and relevant information about progesterone.