Pharmaceutical Material Raw Steroid Powder Progesterone CAS 57-83-0 Lutren Top Quality

Description:

Progesterone belongs to a group of steroid hormones called ‘progestogens’ (which are hormones that have a similar action to the natural hormone progesterone). Synthetic hormones that have a similar action to progesterone are called ‘progestins’. Progesterone is mainly secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy.

During the menstrual cycle, when an egg is released from the ovary at ovulation (approximately day 14), the remnants of the ovarian follicle that enclosed the developing egg form a structure called the ‘corpus luteum’, which literally translates as ‘yellow body’ due to its appearance. This releases progesterone and, to a lesser extent, oestradiol. The progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy in the event that the released egg is fertilised. If the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum breaks down, the production of progesterone falls and a new menstrual cycle begins.

If the egg is fertilised, progesterone stimulates the growth of blood vessels that supply the lining of the womb (endometrium) and stimulates glands in the endometrium to secrete nutrients that nourish the early embryo. Progesterone then prepares the tissue lining of the uterus to allow the fertilised egg to implant and helps to maintain the endometrium throughout pregnancy. During the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone is still produced by the corpus luteum and is essential for supporting the pregnancy and establishing the placenta. Once the placenta is established, it then takes over progesterone production at around weeks 8-12 of pregnancy ‘luteo-placental shift’. During pregnancy, progesterone plays an important role in the development of the foetus (it stimulates the growth of maternal breast tissue; prevents lactation; and strengthens the pelvic wall muscles in preparation for labour). The level of progesterone in the body steadily rises throughout pregnancy until labour occurs and the baby is born.

Although the corpus luteum in the ovaries is the major site of progesterone production in humans, progesterone is also produced in smaller quantities by the ovaries themselves, the adrenal glands and, during pregnancy, the placenta.