Description
Progestin is the synthetic (human-made) form of progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body. Some people need treatment with progestin to treat symptoms or conditions.
Physical properties
Progestin is a white powder, melting point 121°C. Stable in air. Insoluble in water.
Uses
Progestin is a synthetic (human-made) form of progesterone that helps treat certain conditions. It is can used to treatment for issues with menstruation, symptoms of menopause, and many others.
Health Hazard
Acute/chronic hazards: Progesterone may be absorbed through the skin.
Side effects
Common side effects of oral Progesterone include: chest pain, chills, cold or flu-like symptoms; cough or hoarseness; fever, and problems with urination. Rare side effects include: clear or bloody discharge; dimpling of the breast skin, lumps in the breast or armpit; persistent crusting or flaking; redness or swelling of the breast; and sores on the breast skin that do not heal. Other side effects that may occur are: abdominal or stomach pain; constipation, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fast, strong, or irregular heartbeat or pulse; headache, measles, indigestion, itching, joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; rash.
Synthesis
Progestin, pregn-4-en-3,20-dione (28.3.1), is made by oxidizing pregnenolon with aluminum isopropylate in the presence of cyclohexanone as a proton acceptor (Oppenauer oxidation). Progestin itself is made by subsequent oxidation and further cleavage of the side chain of stigmasterin, a sterin of plant origin that is isolated from soybeans.
Physiological effects
Progestin is believed to act by inducing decidualization and atrophy of the endometrial tissue within endometriotic implants. Progestin also interfere with follicular growth probably via a central mechanism on the pituitary–hypothalamic unit, but a local ovarian effect is also possible. This will result in decreased estrogen levels.
