Dictionary > Progestogen

Progestogen

Definition
noun, plural: progestogens
A steroid hormone that is activated by the binding to the progesterone receptor, and whose function is primarily pregnancy maintenance and the preparation of mammary glands for lactation after giving birth
Supplement
Progestogen is one of the major classes of sex steroids (or sex hormones) of vertebrates, including humans. Other sex steroids include androgens and estrogens. Progestogen derived its name from progestational based on one of its main functions, which is pregnancy maintenance. Nevertheless, progestogens are present as well during estrous and menstrual cycle.
Progestogens have a basic 21-carbon structure referred to as pregnane, as opposed to other sex steroids such as estrane (basic 18-carbon structure) in estrogens and androstane (basic 19-carbon structure) in androgens.
Other endogenous progestogens are 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 20α- and 20β- dihydroprogesterone, 5α- and 5β-dihydroprogesterone, etc. These are important metabolites of progesterone.
Progesterone is an example of progestogen. It is a natural progestogen that is synthesized in the corpus luteum. It acts as an antagonist of estrogens. Its function is to promote the proliferation of uterine mucosa and the implantation of blastocyst. It is also prevents further follicular development.
Progestogens can be produced synthetically and be used as a medication for gynecological disorders. It is also used as an oral contraceptive. Progestin is a synthetic progestogen.
Variant(s):

  • progestagen

Also called:

  • gestagen
  • See also:


    You will also like...

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Water Cycle
    The Water Cycle

    The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

    Adaptation Tutorial
    Adaptation Tutorial

    Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

    Plant biology
    Plant Biology

    Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

    Early Earth
    The Origins of Life

    This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics