Progesterone: A Deep Dive into Its Past, Present, and Future

Historical Development

Most stories about hormones trace back to a handful of scientists stubborn enough to question everything. Progesterone stands out thanks to a fierce race in the 1930s, with research teams on both sides of the Atlantic scraping together cattle ovaries just to get milligrams of a mysterious compound. Early chemists like Willard Allen and George W. Corner in the United States isolated it, naming it after its function in pregnancy. At first, extracting even tiny amounts felt like a miracle. Once the structure was discovered, Mexican yams—full of diosgenin—switched the game. Russell Marker’s "Marker Degradation" process opened the floodgates for affordable hormone synthesis, laying the groundwork not just for pharmaceutical companies but for the entire field of steroid chemistry. Chemical companies in Mexico boomed. Without this early breakthrough, many reproductive medicines might never have left the research bench.

Product Overview

Pharmaceutical-grade progesterone doesn’t come from humans or animals anymore. Labs now rely on plant precursors, turning them into precise molecules that mimic the hormone the ovaries make. The end product usually ends up as a white or nearly white crystalline powder, almost odorless, and remarkably pure. Formulators blend it into creams, tablets, injectable solutions, and vaginal gels. Each product needs a consistency that matches its delivery method, and each step of manufacturing gets checked to avoid trace impurities. Progesterone’s tight purification standards keep it reliable in sensitive applications, such as fertility treatments or hormone therapy for menopause.

Physical & Chemical Properties

On the bench, pure progesterone melts at about 126 to 131°C, dissolves well in chloroform and dioxane, and only sparingly in water. Chemically, it’s a C-21 steroid, which means the steroid core sticks to a side chain of carbons. Its molecular formula, C21H30O2, gives a molecular weight close to 314.46 g/mol. The molecule bristles with functional groups—like ketones at C3 and C20—that make it reactive and interesting for chemists hoping to modify its backbone. Despite all that, it stays impressively stable at room temperature if stored away from light and moisture, a quality every clinic appreciates.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Each batch of pharmaceutical progesterone lives or dies by tight specification sheets. Manufacturers certify identity with techniques like infrared absorption and specific rotation. The compound must hit purity levels of 98% or higher—ideally 99%—and the only tolerable contaminants include trace water, minimal related steroids, or harmless excipients added intentionally. Labels list the precise weight, storage instructions (keep it cool, dry, and out of sunlight), route of administration, manufacturing date, and shelf life. Regulations also demand batch numbers for traceability, warnings on possible side effects, and the name of the active pharmaceutical ingredient spelled out in plain text. Pharmacies and hospitals count on this transparency, since mix-ups or mislabeled ingredients can carry real risks.

Preparation Method

No one synthesizes progesterone from scratch in industrial settings—it would never be affordable. Chemists start with plant-derived diosgenin, usually from Mexican yams. Several steps strip away extra chemical groups until only the steroid skeleton remains. Next, they oxidize and cyclize the structure until it matches progesterone’s signature double bonds and ketone groups. These transformations need careful control: reaction temperature, solvent choice, and catalyst levels all influence yield and purity. After chemical synthesis, the crude mix gets purified through recrystallization, chromatography, or distillation. The most respected companies use rigorous analytical methods—like HPLC and NMR—to confirm the final product contains the right molecule, free from environmentally persistent byproducts.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Hormone chemists don’t stop with pure progesterone. They build on its skeleton to create a wide range of analogues, tweaking its structure to make new drugs. Adding or shifting double bonds creates progestins with stronger or longer-lasting effects. Small modifications, like halogenating certain carbon atoms or attaching side chains, shift how the body absorbs, distributes, or breaks down the molecule. Some reactions—think reduction of ketone groups or esterification of certain oxygen atoms—turn progesterone into precursors for other steroids, like corticosteroids or androgens. These chemical tricks matter, especially for making oral contraceptives or anti-inflammatory drugs used in autoimmune diseases and cancer treatments.

Synonyms & Product Names

Pharmacies and chemical suppliers might refer to progesterone as luteal hormone, corpus luteum hormone, or pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. In packaged drugs, you’ll see trade names like Prometrium, Crinone, or Endometrin—each formulated with slightly different purposes or delivery methods in mind. Scientists still stick to "progesterone" when writing or publishing. Regulators, however, require every product label to list both chemical and generic names, helping pharmacy workers and doctors stay clear about exactly what’s in the box.

Safety & Operational Standards

Quality assurance teams map out every safety protocol for handling progesterone, from bulk drug manufacturing down to patient administration. In labs, technicians wear gloves, eye protection, and lab coats to avoid skin contact or accidental inhalation. Manufacturers follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and work under licenses from health authorities like the FDA or EMA. These standards mandate frequent testing for contamination, regular calibration of analytical devices, and secure packaging to keep the hormone stable during shipping. In medical settings, practitioners document patient consent, monitor for allergic reactions, and report side effects, contributing data to pharmacovigilance programs. Even small lapses—a mislabeled batch, improper storage—can trigger product recalls.

Application Area

Progesterone covers more ground than most realize. OB-GYNs prescribe it for luteal phase support during in-vitro fertilization, tackling infertility linked to deficient natural levels. Doctors rely on it to prevent preterm birth, treat menstrual disorders, and ease symptoms in menopause. Some use it as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy and to counterbalance estrogen in postmenopausal women with intact uteri, cutting the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Beyond medicine, veterinary specialists incorporate it to manage livestock breeding cycles, where synchronizing ovulation raises animal productivity and welfare. The same synthetic hormone even crops up in research, offering a tool to study hormone-sensitive cancers, neurobiology, and metabolic diseases.

Research & Development

The next wave of research takes classic progesterone into new territory. Pharmaceutical labs tweak its structure to try to craft oral versions with little first-pass metabolism—aiming for steady hormone support from a simple pill, not an injection or vaginal application. Investigators are probing links between natural progesterone and mental health, exploring its role in neuroprotection and post-partum depression. Biotech startups hunt for sustained-release formulations or biodegradable implants, taking cues from other long-acting hormone therapies. Meanwhile, environmental scientists watch for traces in wastewater, since hormones flushed after use sometimes slip past filtration, potentially affecting aquatic life. Each advance—whether a clinical innovation or environmental safeguard—springs from a feedback loop between patient experience, chemist insight, and regulatory oversight.

Toxicity Research

No medicine gets used without hard looks at what it does at every dose. Reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity studies started decades ago for progesterone. At regular therapeutic uses, unwanted side effects can include bloating, headache, mood swings, and rarely, deep vein thrombosis. Researchers document cancer risks, allergic reactions, and other rare complications, feeding these data into drug labels and clinical guidelines. Chronic exposure in the lab sometimes triggers biochemical changes, so safety data pile up from rat, dog, and non-human primate studies. Environmental scientists run bioassays to map how it might disrupt the endocrine systems of fish and amphibians downstream from pharmaceutical plants. These collective efforts help doctors balance risk and reward for each patient, and regulatory agencies keep watching for new signals—from real-world cases or long-term epidemiological tracking.

Future Prospects

The future of progesterone comes down to solving puzzles on every front. Researchers want better delivery—micro-needles, self-dissolving patches, or even programmable pumps—to smooth out hormone levels and cut side effects. Grassroots pressure for transparency drives new sourcing: biotechnologists experiment with engineered yeast to make the steroid without touching tropical forests or overharvesting wild plants. Synthetic biology may one day flip the script on how we get these hormones off the assembly line. Regulators and patient advocates call for real-world monitoring systems, making sure hormonal treatments match clinical promises over years of use. As more groups map out connections between progesterone, brain health, and chronic disease, new categories of treatment may come to market, reshaping the hormone’s role in both medicine and society.



What is progesterone used for?

Why Progesterone Matters in Health

Most people hear about progesterone while talking about pregnancy or hormones, but its impact stretches far beyond that. As someone with friends and family who’ve dealt with fertility challenges and menopause, I’ve seen progesterone become central to treatment conversations in regular doctor’s offices—not just in specialized clinics.

Progesterone stands as a key hormone in females, mainly produced after ovulation in the ovaries. Its first big job involves prepping the uterus. Each month, after ovulation, progesterone signals the uterine lining to thicken up and get ready in case a fertilized egg settles in. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, progesterone drops, the lining sheds, and there’s a period. Progesterone’s role is the difference between ordinary cycles and the drama that comes when hormones get out of balance.

Fertility and Pregnancy

Doctors often turn to progesterone when a woman struggles to get or stay pregnant. Some early miscarriages connect back to low progesterone. In such cases, physicians prescribe progesterone supplements, usually as pills, gels, or shots. The World Health Organization and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both back up this approach with research. Studies show supplementing can help improve pregnancy outcomes for women with previous losses or specific hormonal issues.

Menopause and Beyond

After menopause, as eggs run out, the ovaries barely produce progesterone. Many women notice the difference—night sweats, insomnia, irregular bleeding, bone changes—because their bodies lose the consistent balance of estrogen and progesterone. In these cases, hormone replacement therapy, which usually pairs estrogen with progesterone, can lower risks of certain cancers and manage harsh symptoms. My mother once joked that, without a little hormone help, she wouldn’t have made it through her fifties without yelling at the mailman.

Other Medical Uses

Progesterone isn’t just about reproductive health. Neurologists and scientists keep exploring its role in the brain. Some evidence suggests progesterone might support nerve repair and calm inflammation. Though the science behind brain injury or post-stroke treatment remains early, several clinical trials are ongoing. This makes sense, considering the brain’s long-known link with hormones. The future could show broader uses still.

Common Questions and Considerations

Lots of people worry about the safety of hormone therapy. Long-term use, especially in postmenopausal women, has risks, including blood clots and some cancers. Trusted organizations like the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health lay out clear guidelines here: individual risk factors really matter. It is critical to work with real medical professionals who review personal and family history before starting any hormone supplement. No internet article or quick answer can take the place of that relationship. As someone who’s had to help family sort through online information, I know how confusing it gets. Relying on accurate sources and real physicians goes a long way.

Looking for Healthier Solutions

For those seeking to balance their hormones, small changes make a difference. Regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a steady sleep schedule, and following a balanced diet actually help natural hormone levels—progesterone included—function better. These steps seem basic, but they’re the foundation for better hormone health and can reduce how often people need prescriptions. The science supports that lifestyle matters; it’s something anyone can start today, with or without a prescription.

What are the side effects of progesterone?

Real Stories Behind the Hormone

A lot of people count on progesterone during their lives, sometimes as part of birth control, sometimes as part of fertility treatment, or to help with menopause symptoms. It doesn't always get the spotlight like estrogen, but it plays a huge role in how bodies feel each day. I know a few women—my sister and a close friend among them—who've used progesterone at different points. It brought them some relief, but both of them also ended up dealing with side effects. So let’s talk about what those effects can look like, and why it matters to keep an eye on them.

The Physical Ripple Effects

People taking progesterone, whether in pill, cream, or shot form, often tell their doctors about bloating and breast tenderness. These are the surface-level irritations that tend to show up within a few days. Some wake up feeling swollen or sensitive in places that didn’t bother them before. Others spot a little weight gain, water retention, or change in appetite.

Progesterone can also push up feelings of fatigue, like the kind that won’t clear with a good night of sleep. People using it might feel extra tired, or even get dizzy during their daily routine. On top of that, headaches come as a common complaint, often catching people by surprise, even if they’ve never really experienced migraines before.

Digging a little deeper, folks run into digestive changes—think constipation, nausea, or occasional cramps. My friend who used progesterone for IVF said she stopped eating some favorite foods for a few weeks, just to avoid the extra stomach trouble.

Emotional Roadblocks

Beyond the physical, mood swings and irritability raise their heads. Some report feeling “not quite themselves,” a little more anxious, or caught in waves of sadness for no clear reason. Hormones and emotions link in a powerful way, and doctors see mental side effects coming up as frequently as physical ones. A study from the National Institutes of Health showed mood shifts appear in up to 30% of women using supplemental progesterone.

Sleep struggles are more common than most expect. Instead of drifting off easily, some lie awake, or wake up often through the night. That building tiredness leads to more stress, so the process feels like a cycle.

Risks for People with Certain Health Conditions

Anyone dealing with a blood clotting disorder should tread carefully. Progesterone affects how blood clots, and a doctor may recommend either steering clear or using very specific doses. Those with a history of breast cancer or liver disease also need a personalized approach. The FDA labels progesterone with warnings for anyone with certain cancers or clot risks.

Listening to the Body—and to Evidence

Not every side effect means stopping treatment. Sometimes, side effects fade or adjust after a few weeks. People who feel uncomfortable should track symptoms: headaches, dizziness, and mood swings deserve attention. Open conversations with doctors matter the most. They can adjust the dose, recommend switching formulations, or add lifestyle shifts like exercise and balanced meals.

Groups like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offer guidelines that help both patients and doctors navigate hormone support safely. Bloodwork before and during use picks up early warning signs and helps avoid health risks down the line.

Finding a Way Through

Real talk with a trusted provider opens a path through the hormone maze. Nobody should feel alone while sorting through strange symptoms. Solid, evidence-based resources guide decisions better than rumors from the internet or well-meaning friends. In the end, tracking changes, asking questions, and using reputable medical advice can turn a confusing time into one that feels much more manageable.

How should I take progesterone?

Sorting Out Progesterone Use

The conversation around progesterone usually turns up when someone brings up hormone balance, fertility, or menopause. Pills, creams, suppositories, shots—progesterone shows up in plenty of forms. It’s easy for anyone to get lost in the choices or become wary about the process. Before picking a route or daily schedule, there’s always a big point: people’s bodies respond differently to hormones, so it pays to look at the facts and talk straight with your doctor.

Experience, Not Just Advice

Plenty of doctors hand out progesterone in pill form because it’s quick and simple. You swallow it. Job done. Some people notice drowsiness, so doctors often suggest taking it in the evening. For others, the oral route feels rougher—more headaches or stomach trouble, less benefit. I’ve met women who swear by progesterone cream because their skin absorbs it gently. The downside? It’s tough to measure out an exact dose, and the effects vary more.

Vaginal forms, like suppositories or gel, show up often in fertility treatment. With this method, the hormone skips the liver and heads where it’s needed—reproductive organs. For women in IVF cycles, the difference can be real. Cramping, occasional discharge, but fewer full-body side effects. Most folks I’ve talked to would rather deal with some mess than gamble with mood swings or constant fatigue.

Why Directions Matter

Ignoring the label or playing doctor with hormones causes problems. Progesterone affects the uterine lining, bone health, even brain chemistry. Skipping doses, doubling up, or switching brands on your own just adds risk. Stories about bleeding, tender breasts, or wild mood swings start when people stop following the schedule.

Some take progesterone because they’re dealing with heavy periods, PCOS, or menopause symptoms. Others—often couples trying to conceive—take it to keep their pregnancy stable. Clear instructions from a good doctor sharpen the odds things will go smoothly. I’ve seen cases where changing the time of day made someone sleep better, or a gentle shift in dose stopped headaches without losing hormone balance.

Sifting Hype from Facts

Advertisements for “bioidentical” progesterone or over-the-counter alternatives crop up across social media. Natural doesn’t mean safe or effective. The FDA only approves certain versions for certain uses. Unregulated supplements sometimes contain undisclosed chemicals or none at all, so people waste money or get unwanted reactions. In my own searches, trust rested on pharmacy-grade products and advice from hormone specialists.

More than one study shows that monitoring blood levels matters, especially for folks using progesterone to support pregnancy. Random internet scheduling and swapping brands mid-cycle causes more harm than good. Labs and check-ins give real proof of what your body needs.

Solutions Worth Trying

Talk openly with your healthcare provider about symptoms, daily routine, and preferences. If pills don’t sit well, ask about gels or suppositories. A little experimenting, done with medical supervision, can make all the difference. Keep a log—track how you feel, side effects, mood swings, sleep changes. That info helps your doctor fine-tune your dose.

Don’t be shy about checking in if your body’s sending off alarms. Clear communication keeps things safe and keeps you from chasing after solutions that don’t work. Works best when you stick to the prescription, show up for follow-ups, and use trusted products. Getting progesterone right involves more than filling a prescription; it means paying attention and having real conversations with people who know the science.

Can progesterone cause weight gain?

Understanding Progesterone’s Role

Progesterone gets a lot of attention in conversations about hormones and weight. It’s a key player in the female reproductive system, produced after ovulation and essential for pregnancy. Doctors sometimes prescribe progesterone to address menopause symptoms, irregular cycles, or fertility issues. People want to know: does adding more progesterone mean packing on pounds?

Tracing the Weight Gain Myth

Hormones run the show for almost everything, from mood to metabolism. Many women who start progesterone cream, pills, or hormonal birth control notice changes on the scale or in how their pants fit. Some research connects progestin-based birth control (the synthetic form of progesterone) to slight weight changes, but most studies see little or no sustained difference overall. One review in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology looked at women on birth control with progestin: most gained less than two kilograms over a couple years, about as much as placebo users.

I once worked at a women’s clinic, and it surprised me how often clients blamed hormone therapy for five or ten pounds. Sometimes it’s true—water retention increases with progesterone use, so you can feel puffy or bloated. This doesn’t mean real fat gain. Cheating jeans often push women to blame the pill or hormone cream, when stress, diet, sleep, or new routines also pile on.

Real Side Effects and the Bigger Picture

Some people do seem to gain weight on progesterone, and it’s not all in their heads. The body sometimes reacts to hormonal tweaks with increased appetite or cravings, especially for salty snacks or sweets, as researchers from Harvard Medical School highlight. The link between sex hormones and fluid retention is also well-proven. What’s trickier: progesterone-only therapies often target women transitioning into menopause, when metabolism slows and body composition changes. It’s tough to tease apart “age gain” from drug effects.

Synthetic progestins—those lab-made cousins of natural progesterone—have a stronger reputation for triggering weight swings. Again, though, rigorous studies rarely find consistent or important gains. Sometimes women who experience mood dips or tiredness while on progesterone move less or snack more. Side effects add up.

Looking for Solutions

A major key is tracking personal patterns: regular weigh-ins, noting food and mood, and adjusting routines to dodge sneaky weight changes. I’ve seen women who notice a signal, like puffier ankles or rings becoming tight, simply reduce salty foods and boost water and movement with good results. If appetite shoots up or you truly don’t feel like yourself, talk with your doctor. Sometimes baby steps—tweaking dose, switching brand, or changing timing—restore the balance.

Better communication helps, too. Doctors and pharmacists need to offer blunt talk about possible side effects when prescribing hormone therapy. Women often hear “progesterone means weight gain,” get anxious, and quit treatment too soon. Support groups, evidence-based info, and creative problem solving can all help keep things in check.

Research shows lifestyle choices carry more weight (pun intended) than any hormone supplement alone. Strength-based exercise, whole foods, less screen time, and better sleep lower the odds of seeing meaningful changes on the scale. For anyone who needs hormone therapy, attention to those basics will outweigh most medicine-related risks.

What Really Matters

Trust in science and lived experience. Ask questions, pay attention to your body, and don’t let fear of a little weight keep you from caring for your health. Persistent or troubling symptoms should get checked out, as they can point to more than just hormone shifts.

Is progesterone safe during pregnancy?

I remember the anxiety of checking every ingredient on a label during my wife’s pregnancy. Questions popped up every time someone suggested a new supplement or medication. One of those familiar questions from families and expectant mothers centers on progesterone—specifically, whether it’s safe to use during pregnancy.

Why Progesterone Matters

Progesterone is not some foreign chemical from outside the body. Before a positive pregnancy test, the body is already making this hormone naturally. Progesterone shows up as soon as ovulation occurs. It thickens the uterine lining, making it welcoming for a fertilized egg and supporting early development. So, in a way, progesterone is a foundational part of pregnancy from the start.

Doctors often recommend extra progesterone for women dealing with specific risks. Some struggle with repeated miscarriages. Others deal with signs of an early miscarriage, like bleeding. In some cases, doctors may prescribe progesterone for women who have a short cervix since that could lead to preterm birth. Around my community, the conversation mostly comes up when someone faces one of these pregnancy challenges.

What Does Science Say?

Research points to some benefits—a big meta-analysis in The Lancet followed over 10,000 women at risk for early pregnancy loss. The study found progesterone could help women with a history of miscarriages carry their pregnancy further. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also backs up progesterone for certain patients, especially for those with past preterm births due to cervical issues.

Safety matters just as much as effectiveness. Progesterone’s been on the market for decades. Studies show few major side effects for short-term use during early and mid-pregnancy. Some women report mild side effects: headache, sleepiness, or a bit of bloating. Talk in OB-GYN waiting rooms rarely focuses on major complications. On rare occasions, an allergic reaction pops up. Nothing ever feels risk-free, but hormone supplements like progesterone carry years of real-world experience.

The Hidden Stress of Uncertainty

Still, getting conflicting advice about supplements in pregnancy leads to stress. The internet churns out horror stories alongside science-backed posts. Friends and family members recite personal anecdotes. In communities where trust in the healthcare system runs low, women carry extra anxiety about medication safety. I’ve seen pregnant women pass on potentially helpful progesterone treatments, fearing side effects or future unknowns.

Talking With Healthcare Providers Builds Confidence

No online article replaces a real conversation with a doctor or midwife. Pregnancies never go according to a single script. People bring unique family histories, genetics, and medical backgrounds to each pregnancy. Obstetricians use those factors to decide if progesterone fits with someone’s story. This approach builds trust, reduces risk, and offers the kind of personal care that internet research alone can’t provide.

Making Progesterone Safer for Everyone

Pharmacies and clinics have an important role in making these medications accessible and affordable. Language barriers create confusion about dosage and timing. Educators in maternity clinics can help women recognize potential side effects and talk openly if problems pop up. Better information helps women make decisions supported by evidence, not just fear.

No one can promise zero risk. Yet, progesterone holds a spot in the toolkit for certain pregnancy concerns. The key is getting honest advice and up-to-date information from trustworthy sources. For families dealing with uncertainty, that conversation makes all the difference.

Progesterone
Names
Preferred IUPAC name (8S,9S,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-acetyl-10,13-dimethyl-2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
Other names Luteal hormone
Corpus luteum hormone
P4
Pronunciation /prəˈdʒɛstərəʊn/
Preferred IUPAC name pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione
Pronunciation /proʊˈdʒɛstəroʊn/
Identifiers
CAS Number 57-83-0
Beilstein Reference 1361702
ChEBI CHEBI:17026
ChEMBL CHEMBL103
ChemSpider 5487
DrugBank DB00396
ECHA InfoCard 100.000.003
EC Number 1.3.99.4
Gmelin Reference 8229
KEGG C00410
MeSH D011391
PubChem CID 5994
RTECS number RH5250000
UNII 4G7DS2Q64Y
UN number UN2811
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) DTXSID2020837
CAS Number 57-83-0
Beilstein Reference 1468
ChEBI CHEBI:17026
ChEMBL CHEMBL104
ChemSpider 6828
DrugBank DB00396
ECHA InfoCard 100.019.858
EC Number 200-350-6
Gmelin Reference 6073
KEGG C00418
MeSH D011398
PubChem CID 5994
RTECS number RTECS: **GN7875000**
UNII 4G7DS2Q64Y
UN number UN2811
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) DTXSID3023865
Properties
Chemical formula C21H30O2
Molar mass 314.46 g/mol
Appearance White or creamy white crystalline powder
Odor Odorless
Density 1.17 g/cm3
Solubility in water Practically insoluble
log P 3.87
Vapor pressure 4.8 x 10^-7 mmHg (25°C)
Acidity (pKa) 18.6
Basicity (pKb) 20.37
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -93.0·10⁻⁶
Refractive index (nD) 1.545
Viscosity Viscous liquid
Dipole moment 3.18 D
Chemical formula C21H30O2
Molar mass 314.47 g/mol
Appearance white or creamy white crystalline powder
Odor Odorless
Density 0.5 g/cm3
Solubility in water Insoluble in water
log P 3.87
Vapor pressure 3.89E-08 mmHg at 25°C
Acidity (pKa) 19.2
Basicity (pKb) 12.37
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -95.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD) 1.551
Viscosity Viscous liquid
Dipole moment 3.18 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 395.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -189.7 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -8135 kJ/mol
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 485.1 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -189.7 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -8886 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code G03DA04
ATC code G03DA04
Hazards
Main hazards May damage fertility or the unborn child.
GHS labelling GHS07, GHS08
Pictograms GHS02,GHS07,GHS08
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Precautionary statements P201, P202, P281, P308+P313, P405, P501
Flash point Flash point: 175.5°C
Autoignition temperature 385°C
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 oral rat 833 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) 480 mg/kg (rat, oral)
PEL (Permissible) 15 mg/m3
REL (Recommended) 40–100 ng/mL
IDLH (Immediate danger) No IDLH established
Main hazards May damage fertility or the unborn child.
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS07
Pictograms SGH
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements H315, H319, H361fd
Precautionary statements P201, P202, P308+P313, P405, P501
Flash point 121°C
Autoignition temperature 410°C
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 oral rat 833 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) 331 mg/kg (rat, oral)
NIOSH GNB72
PEL (Permissible) PEL: Not established
REL (Recommended) 300–400 mg daily
Related compounds
Related compounds 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone
11-Deoxycorticosterone
Corticosterone
Cortisone
Cortisol
Related compounds Pregnenolone
17α-Hydroxyprogesterone
Allopregnanolone
Deoxycorticosterone
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
Megestrol acetate