P4 · Prometrium · Utrogestan · Crinone
Progesterone (P4) is a steroid hormone primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries and plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Researchers primarily study progesterone for its critical functions in reproductive health, particularly its influence on uterine receptivity and the maintenance of pregnancy. Key findings indicate that progesterone signaling is essential for successful embryo implantation, with transcription factors like WT1 identified as crucial partners in mediating its effects in uterine cells. Additionally, studies suggest that fluctuations in progesterone levels during menopause can exacerbate conditions such as migraines, highlighting its broader implications in women's health. Current research continues to explore the molecular mechanisms of progesterone action and its potential therapeutic applications in hormone replacement therapy and reproductive health management.
Progesterone (P4), also known as Prometrium or Utrogestan, is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced primarily in the ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands. It belongs to the class of sex hormones and is a key component of the reproductive system. As an endogenous hormone, it plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Synthetic forms of progesterone are used in various hormonal therapies. Researchers have extensively studied progesterone's role in reproductive health, particularly its involvement in preparing the uterus for embryo implantation and maintaining pregnancy. Additionally, its role in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause has been a significant area of research. Progesterone acts primarily through the progesterone receptor (PR), which is a nuclear receptor that regulates gene expression. It is involved in various biological pathways, including those that prepare the endometrium for implantation and modulate immune responses during pregnancy. The hormone's interaction with other transcription factors, such as WT1, is crucial for its function in uterine receptivity. Pharmacokinetically, progesterone has a short circulating half-life, and its bioavailability varies significantly with the route of administration. Oral progesterone has poor bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism, while micronized formulations improve absorption. Progesterone is used clinically in hormone replacement therapy, particularly in postmenopausal women, to mitigate menopausal symptoms and protect the endometrium when used with estrogen. It is regulated as a prescription medication in many countries.
| Formel | C21H30O2 |
| Molekulargewicht | 314.5g/mol |
| CAS-Nummer | 57-83-0 |
| PubChem CID | 5994 |
Progesterone acts on the progesterone receptor (PR), a nuclear receptor that modulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences. This interaction influences various biological processes, including uterine receptivity and immune modulation during pregnancy.
Progesterone exerts its effects primarily through binding to the progesterone receptor (PR), which then interacts with transcription factors such as WT1 to facilitate PR-chromatin binding and activate target gene transcription essential for uterine receptivity during implantation. This signaling involves the regulation of gene expression that supports processes like decidualization and maintenance of pregnancy, although the complete molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in PR-mediated signaling remain to be fully elucidated. Additionally, progesterone's role in modulating inflammation and parturition is influenced by enzymes like aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1), which can inactivate progesterone in decidual stromal cells, highlighting its complex regulatory functions in reproductive biology.
Circulating half-life ~5 minutes
Poor bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism
Micronized formulations improve oral bioavailability; pharmacokinetics can vary with formulation.
Temperature
Store at room temperature (15-30C)
Light
Protect from light
Form
Capsules stable for 2+ years
Notes
Keep in original packaging to protect from moisture.
Progesterone is poorly soluble in water but soluble in ethanol and oils.
🇩🇪DE
Verschreibungspflichtig (prescription only); not a controlled substance under BtMG.
🇺🇸US
FDA approved for certain uses; prescription required.
🇦🇺AU
TGA Schedule 4 (prescription only medicine).
🇬🇧UK
Prescription only medicine (POM) under MHRA regulation.
Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.
Current evidence is limited regarding the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying progesterone receptor-chromatin binding and transcriptional activity in the uterus, particularly in relation to the role of WT1 and other potential co-factors. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of hormone replacement therapy combining estrogen and progesterone on migraine exacerbation in diverse populations, particularly focusing on women with varying histories of menstrual migraines. Additionally, larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting AKR1C1 in the context of inflammation-induced preterm labor, as well as to assess the implications of progesterone in various metabolic and cognitive outcomes in menopausal women.
2,894
Total Citations
41
Human/RCT
3.0
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
The study demonstrated that progesterone influences oocyte quality and embryo development in cattle, with implications for early embryo loss during pregnancy.
The study demonstrated that manipulating progesterone levels in dairy cattle can improve reproductive success, particularly during timed artificial insemination protocols.
Researchers observed that progesterone modulates inflammation in the maternal reproductive and immune systems, playing a critical role in pregnancy maintenance and labor.
The study demonstrated that progesterone regulates ovarian function through multiple receptor pathways, influencing granulosa and luteal cell activity.
Researchers observed that progesterone is critical for conceptus development in cattle, influencing endometrial secretions essential for early pregnancy.
Researchers observed that novel progesterone receptors, particularly PGRMC1, are abundant in brain regions and may regulate various neuroendocrine functions.
The study demonstrated that vaginal progesterone gel (Crinone) provides greater bioavailability and less variability in absorption compared to oral progesterone (Prometrium) in postmenopausal women.
Researchers observed that progesterone supplementation may help prevent osteoporosis in women by promoting bone formation, although further randomized controlled trials are needed.
Researchers observed that progesterone modulates immune responses during pregnancy by enhancing immune tolerance while suppressing antigen-specific T cell activation.
The study demonstrated that progesterone significantly improves mouse embryo development and survival rates, although it does not enhance in vitro maturation rates of oocytes.
182
Total Trials
46,465
Total Enrolled
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
7,525
1996
All-cause dementia
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI VALENCIA
900
2023
LIVE BIRTH
Hina Mukhtar
820
2021
Frequency of Preterm Birth (<37 Weeks)
Mỹ Đức Hospital
804
2020
Rate of preterm birth <37 weeks of gestation by any cause
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI VALENCIA
488
2020
Ongoing pregnancy rate
Instituto Bernabeu
347
2021
Serum progesterone level
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
330
2022
Menstrual improvement
Mỹ Đức Hospital
328
2024
Time from randomization to delivery
Vietnam National University
300
2016
Preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
300
2008
ongoing pregnancy rate
Bezmialem Vakif University
297
2023
Rate of clinical pregnancy
Emory University
285
2020
Percent of Rectal Mucosal Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4+) T Cells Expressing C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 5 (CCR5) in Cohort 1
Organon and Co
268
2007
Percentage of Women With Ongoing Pregnancy After a Corifollitropin Alfa COS Cycle in Base Study and ≥1 Live Born Infant During Follow-up (Live Birth Rate)
Mỹ Đức Hospital
219
2019
Preterm birth <34 weeks
University of Minnesota
216
2012
Number of Participants With 7-day Point Prevalence Abstinence From Smoking at Week 4
Fayoum University
210
2023
The number of oocytes retrieved per patient
Akdeniz University
205
2020
The change in endometrial thickness
Centro A.M.B.R.A. (Associazione Medici e Biologi per la Riproduzione Assistita)
195
2026
Number of Mature (MII) Oocytes Retrieved
Cairo University
179
2013
Number of the retrieved oocytes
Nanjing University
152
2023
Embryo implantation rate
Guoxia Yang
150
2026
Clinical pregnancy rate
University of Mississippi Medical Center
144
2004
Weeks Gestation at Birth Among Patients Receiving the Active Drug.
Shaare Zedek Medical Center
144
2022
Clinical pregnancy rate
The General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes
120
2025
Incidence of ovulation rates
Assiut University
110
2021
Number of bleeding days
Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
100
2022
Overactive bladder symptoms
Ain Shams University
100
2016
Clinical pregnancy rate
Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Research and Education Hospital
100
2014
Live Birth Rate
Chulalongkorn University
90
2017
Time from preterm labor pain to delivery
University Hospital, Gasthuisberg
82
2004
clinical pregnancy rate per cycle
Université de Sherbrooke
79
2018
Recruitment feasibility
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
76
2001
Fundacion Dexeus
44
2019
Number of euploid embryos as compared between the 2 ovarian stimulation cycles
University Hospital, Montpellier
40
2022
Progesterone dosage 1
University of Sao Paulo General Hospital
36
2014
Endometrial biopsy
University of Michigan
30
2010
Changes in Brain Activation Patterns in Verbal Tasks Determined With the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Scans
University of Colorado, Denver
30
2011
Luteinizing Hormone Pulse Amplitude
University Medical Centre Ljubljana
30
2012
Preterm delivery (before completed 37th week of gestation)
FHI 360
26
2010
Cmax (Maximal Serum Concentration of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA))
University of Virginia
25
2009
Change in Progesterone Sensitivity Index Before and After Metformin Treatment.
Stanford University
20
2007
Estradiol
San Carlo Public Hospital, Potenza, Italy
18
2014
Pregnancy Rate percentage, Implantation Rate percentage, Live Birth Rate percentage
University of Colorado, Denver
17
2014
Changes in Prefrontal Cortex Brain Activation at 6 Months
Peking University People's Hospital
16
2024
The Time Required for Complete Remission for the First Time
HaEmek Medical Center, Israel
15
2015
Preterm delivery
Peking University People's Hospital
10
2024
Complete remission (CR) rate
University of Pennsylvania
8
2005
To Determine the Impact of GABA-A Receptor Agonists (Benzodiazepines, Allopregnanolone) and Other GABA-modulating Agents (Fluoxetine) on Cortical GABA Levels by Menstrual Cycle Phase as Measured Using 1H-MRS in Healthy Controls.
ART Fertility Clinics LLC
5
2024
Relaxin measurement
Oregon Health and Science University
5
2012
Total to HDL Cholesterol Ratio
University of Virginia
4
2006
Slope of the Percent Change in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Pulses as a Function of Day 7 Progesterone Level
John Uckele
3
2008
Incidence of Preeclampsia
V.K.V. American Hospital, Istanbul
2006
Ongoing pregnancy beyond the 20th gestational week rate
Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom
2002
Vastra Gotaland Region
1,800
2021
Number of participants with live birth
Chong Qing Reproducive and Genetic Institute
700
2015
implantation rate
Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
342
2016
Clinical pregnancy rate
Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev
305
2021
Serum estradiol
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
300
2012
clinical pregnancy rate
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
300
2012
clinical pregnancy rate
Dra.Cristina Martinez Payo
254
2012
Proportion of spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation
Universidad del Desarrollo
213
2013
Preterm delivery <34 weeks
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
173
2008
Percentage of Participants With Ongoing Pregnancy at Week 8
University Hospital of North Norway
170
2005
Regression of hyperplasia related to treatment arm after 6 months of therapy
Dr Mudassar Saeed Pansota
160
2025
Percentage of efficacy
Centrum Clinic IVF Center
151
2021
ongoing pregnancy rate
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
140
2017
Adequate Adherence to Study Product
Memorial Sisli Hospital, Istanbul
140
2019
Ongoing pregnancy rate
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
124
2010
Serum Progesterone (P4) Level in the Morning of the Day of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) Administration
Rahem Fertility Center
112
2020
Ongoing Pregnancy Rate
Prince of Songkla University
112
2007
Patients' satisfaction with the treatment
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
103
2022
Changes in Striatal Activation Between Groups during the MID task
Ain Shams University
100
2020
Preterm labor
Regionshospitalet Viborg, Skive
93
2012
Levels of progesterone in the mid-luteal phase.
Johns Hopkins University
75
2023
Change in lumbar spine bone mineral density assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI VALENCIA
70
2011
Preparation and treatment for Assisted Human Reproduction procedures and in the case opf pregnancy, follow up.
University of Illinois at Chicago
60
2018
Cyclical Change in Suicidal Ideation (SI) Severity
Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital
50
2013
Composite measure of study feasibility
Women's Health Care Clinic, Torrance, California
48
2009
Cessation of Bleeding Within 5 Days
Chulalongkorn University
48
2023
latency period
Radboud University Medical Center
42
2016
Ongoing pregnancy rate per cycle
University of Edinburgh
42
2002
Change in 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
40
2005
pregnancy occurrence, pregnancy loss
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
40
2022
Mean IDAS Ill Temper Scale Score Over Time
IVI Madrid
35
2011
endometrial receptivity gene expression profile
University of Calgary
34
2011
Gestational age at birth
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
30
2016
Perimenstrual Change in Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview (SITBI) Suicidal Ideation Score
Medical University of Vienna
30
2009
Serotonin-1A receptor binding potential
CRG UZ Brussel
30
2019
Molecular endometrial level using illumina RNA-seq
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
25
2013
Time (in Days) That a Patient Reports Symptoms From Their Concussion.
Fertility Centers of Illinois
10
2010
Clinical pregnancy rate of micronized vaginal progesterone (Endometrin, Ferring Pharmaceuticals) compared to intramuscular progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support after IVF-ET from previously vitrified donor eggs
Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
2
2019
Mean change in resting energy expenditure
University of California, San Francisco
2,430
1992
Myocardial Infarction
Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
1,656
2017
Live birth
David Wright
882
2010
Favorable Outcome as Determined by the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE)
Tu Du Hospital
824
2021
Ongoing pregnancy rate
Meir Medical Center
800
2010
efficacy
Tata Memorial Hospital
800
2007
Disease-free survival
IBSA Institut Biochimique SA
800
2008
Ongoing Pregnancy Rate
The George Washington University Biostatistics Center
795
2004
Delivery prior to 35 weeks 0 days gestation
ShangHai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute
784
2020
live birth rate
Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
652
2024
Live birth, defined as the presence of a live birth after 22 weeks' gestation. Twin pregnancies will be counted as a single birth.
University College, London
600
2026
Recurrence free survival (RFS)
Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
520
2022
Mammographic breast density
Juniper Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
465
2008
Number of Participants With Birth <=32 6/7 Weeks Gestation.
Centre Leon Berard
456
Overall survival
Centre Leon Berard
456
1999
Overall survival
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
352
2018
Cumulative Rate of Spontaneous Abortions Occurring on or Before 12 Weeks Post-oocyte Retrieval
Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
336
2025
Live birth
Sun Yat-sen University
328
2025
live birth rate
SWOG Cancer Research Network
313
1997
Endometrial pathologic diagnosis
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
309
1995
mean minimal coronary-artery diameter
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
294
2000
Percent of Women Who Show a Greater Than 50% Decline in Average Daily Seizure Frequency
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI VALENCIA
290
2006
Changchun GeneScience Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
252
2017
The total number of oocytes obtained during the start-up period
King's College Hospital NHS Trust
250
2003
Spontaneous delivery before 34 completed weeks (238 days) of gestation.
Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria La Fe
234
2013
Rate of evolutionary gestation in each cycle
Sanpasitthiprasong Hospital
231
2015
preterm delivery before 34 and 37 weeks
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
227
2002
Compare the efficacy of the three regimens
University Hospital, Montpellier
214
2027
Live birth rate
Eli Lilly and Company
154
1989
Height Standard Deviation Score (SDS) (National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS]), Change From Baseline to Last Measurement, As Randomized Population
Moustafa Mohammed Abouelea
150
2020
Ongoing clinical pregnancy rate
National University of Malaysia
142
2019
Spontaneous preterm birth
El Shatby University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology
90
2020
the Number of M2 Oocytes Retrieved
BHR Pharma, LLC
55
2017
Frequency of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms at 12 weeks
Fetal Medicine Foundation
36
2006
Rate of Recurrent Preterm Birth
TherapeuticsMD
6
2014
• The proportion of subjects at Cycle 3 Day 24 ± 1 day on active treatment compared to placebo with complete secretory activity on endometrial biopsy.
IBSA Institut Biochimique SA
4
2017
Ongoing pregnancy rate at 12 weeks of gestation
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
1995
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
1996
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
2000
Hillel Yaffe Medical Center
430
2015
preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation rate in singleton pregnancies
Obstetrix Medical Group
321
2004
Newborn Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
West China Second University Hospital
224
2018
Pathologic Response
Hua Li
148
2022
Complete response rate
New York State Psychiatric Institute
21
2008
Cocaine Abstinence Based on Urine Toxicology Results
Stanford University
7
2009
Reduction in Delivery Rate Prior to 37 Weeks Gestation
Nanjing University
900
2021
Embryo implantation rate
Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital
850
2014
Miscarriage
One Fertility
506
2016
Clinical Pregnancy
AbbVie
252
2006
Percent Change From Baseline in Bone Mineral Density of the Spine at Week 24
Assiut University
242
2017
The frequency of spontaneous abortion before 28 weeks
Clinique Ovo
150
2022
Evaluate the ongoing pregnancy rate
Medical University of South Carolina
148
2019
Cannabis Craving
New Mexico Cancer Research Alliance
140
2026
Tissue response to progestin therapy
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
130
2008
Progression-free survival (PFS)
University of British Columbia
125
2005
Vasomotor symptoms prospectively recorded in the final month of therapy by therapy assignment, with pre-therapy baseline vasomotor symptoms as a covariate.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
102
2014
Motor Scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III
University of Illinois at Chicago
96
2009
Change in STAI-6 Score
Peking University People's Hospital
82
2023
Pathological cumulative complete response rate;
IBSA Institut Biochimique SA
80
2016
endometrial thickness change towards baseline (mm)
Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
76
2015
Change in glandular cellularity
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
74
1996
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Mean Total Score
Benha University
59
2023
Success Rate of Treatment Regimens in Preventing Preterm Birth and/or Improving Pregnancy Duration
Pantarhei Bioscience
52
2007
ovulation inhibition
Indiana University
30
2007
Clinical Benefit Rate (CR + PR + SD > 6 Months).
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
25
2000
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
23
2020
Mean Threat Processing Bias During Visual Dot-probe Paradigm Over Time
University of Wisconsin, Madison
21
2017
Correlation Coefficient Between FFNP Uptake and Allred Score
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
0
1999
Behavioral
David Wright
100
2002
neurological outcome
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
51
2009
Primary endpoint: progesterone level in endometrium and in serum
University of Washington
43
2004
The primary biological end points in this trial will be suppression of spermatogenesis and gonadotropins while monitoring for any adverse changes in lipid metabolism, sexual side effects or in general health
University of California, Davis
12
2019
Continuing Pregnancy Based on Ultrasound Examination
ART Fertility Clinics LLC
342
2023
Implantation rate
St Stephens Aids Trust
70
2017
To assess number of women at high risk of Preterm Labour (PTL) withdraw from the combination therapy of Progesterone (P4) and aminophylline due to side effects, in comparison to P4 alone.
Joint Stock Company "Farmak"
66
2019
Cmax
Yale University
65
2004
Smoking topography; measured by carbon monoxide levels and self-report at Day 4
Daré Bioscience, Inc.
60
2026
Systemic pharmacokinetics of progesterone, Concentration over 24 hours
Yale University
60
2007
HPA responses to stress
Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc.
56
2014
baseline-adjusted AUCt
Productos Científicos S. A. de C. V.
48
2010
Endometrial dating through histopathologic criteria.
Mayo Clinic
47
2014
Logarithm of the ratio of the normalized growth hormone secretion rate over the first 10 hr.
University of Virginia
14
2005
LH pulse frequency (number of LH pulses per hour)
University of Virginia
12
2012
Change in Number of LH Pulses Per Hour
Thomas Jefferson University
6
2017
Pharmacokinetic model
Minia University
200
2020
Number of participants suffering neuronal infarction
Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital
60
2019
Pathologic complete remission rate of endometrial curettage tissues
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
50
2017
Mean Post-treatment Tumor Progesterone Receptor H-score (Histology Score)
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
35
2018
endometrial receptivity measured by pathology
University of Virginia
10
2022
Change in mean FSH concentration with progesterone administration
Reproductive Health Research Insritute, Chile
9
2022
Endometrial Gene Expression Profile
Log cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.
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