Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone secreted primarily by the ovaries (female-only endocrine glands in the human body).
It is one of a group of steroid hormones that control female sexual development and processes.
Although progesterone is synthesized mainly by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, some small quantities of progesterone are also produced by the adrenal cortex, the testes, and the placenta.
The actions of the hormone progesterone in women include:
- Preparing the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus for pregnancy;
- Maintaining the uterus after fertilization and then throughout the pregnancy;
- Preventing further release of eggs from the ovaries during pregnancy.
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
More about the Endocrine System
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
