Special remarks:

Progesterone (4-pregnene-3, 20-dione) is a C21 steroid hormone containing a keto-group (at C-3) and a double bond between C-4 and C-5. Like other steroids, it is synthesized from cholesterol via a series of enzyme-mediated steps. Progesterone is a female sex hormone of primary importance in ovulation, fertility and menopause. It is particularly important in preparing the endometrium for the implantation of the blastocyte and in maintaining pregnancy. The rate of progesterone secretion may be affected by the degree of progestational activity of the uterus and the level of circulating LH. Analyses suggest that progesterone acts as an anti-glucocorticoid in rat adipose tissue in vivo, attenuating the glucocorticoid effect on adipose tissue metabolism. Furthermore it could be demonstrated that progesterone alone may be a valuable agent for management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

In female rodents, the determination of progesterone is a useful marker in evaluating and monitoring the state of the reproductive functions and pregnancy as well.