Progesterone: the forgotten hormone in men?

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Male reproductive physiology
• Neuroendocrinology

Background:

• Progesterone receptors are found in birds and mammals, mediating reproductive functions.
• Knowledge of progesterone's role in men is limited despite similar serum levels to women.
• Progesterone impacts male reproductive functions like sperm production and testosterone synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted roles of progesterone in male physiology.
• To investigate progesterone's influence on the central nervous system, immune system, and cardiovascular system in men.
• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of progesterone modulation in male health.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 1026 men.
• Analysis of serum progesterone concentrations and age-dependency.
• Review of known progesterone effects and receptor mechanisms in males.

Main Results:

• No age-dependent changes in serum progesterone were observed in men.
• Progesterone influences spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, and testosterone biosynthesis.
• Progesterone affects the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system, and other physiological processes in men.

Conclusions:

• Progesterone exerts significant, diverse effects in men, including reproductive, neural, and systemic influences.
• Non-genomic mechanisms mediate some progesterone actions in men, leading to pharmacodynamic variability.
• New endocrine-pharmacological approaches are needed for precise therapeutic manipulation of progesterone in males.