This 2007 study by Fournier et al. analyzed data from the French E3N cohort to assess breast cancer risk associated with various hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) in postmenopausal women. Over an average follow-up of 8.1 years involving 80,377 women, 2,354 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified. The study found
This study investigated the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on immune function in post-menopausal women. The findings indicated that HRT modulates immune responses, potentially restoring some aspects of immune function altered by menopause. Specifically, HRT was associated with changes in cytokine production and lymphocyte activity, suggesting a shift towards
This comprehensive review examines the cellular, molecular, and hormonal factors contributing to age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), particularly the roles of sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone) and aldosterone in auditory aging. Estrogen appears to exert neuroprotective effects on auditory function, whereas progesterone may impair it. Aldosterone has been shown to enhance potassium
This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of progesterone (PG) against amyloid-beta (Aβ42)-induced neuroinflammation in astrocytes. The findings reveal that Aβ42 impairs autophagic processes in astrocytes, leading to increased inflammatory responses. Treatment with PG significantly enhances autophagy activation, as evidenced by upregulation of autophagy markers and modulation of the mTOR signaling
This 2010 review explores the role of progesterone in bone health, emphasizing its contribution to bone formation and maintenance in women. Progesterone stimulates osteoblast differentiation and, alongside estrogen, helps regulate bone remodeling. The article highlights that cyclic progestin therapy can prevent bone loss in premenopausal women with amenorrhea or subclinical
This 2020 review explores the role of progesterone in managing abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and menstrual disorders. It discusses the pathophysiology of AUB, highlighting the importance of progesterone in regulating endometrial stability. The article evaluates various progestin therapies, including oral, injectable, and intrauterine systems, emphasizing their efficacy in treating different
This 2017 review by McEwen and Milner examines how sex hormones, including estrogens, androgens, and progestogens, influence brain structure, function, and behavior across the lifespan. The authors highlight that sex hormone receptors are distributed throughout the brain, not limited to reproductive regions, and are located in both nuclear and membrane-associated
This 2012 review highlights emerging non-reproductive roles of progesterone, including potential therapeutic applications in traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, and crush injuries. Preclinical and early clinical studies suggest that progesterone and its derivatives, such as norethisterone and megestrol acetate, may offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally,
This comprehensive 2021 review elucidates progesterone’s multifaceted roles beyond its traditional association with reproduction. Progesterone is pivotal in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and modulating immune responses to facilitate embryo implantation and fetal development. It serves as a precursor to other essential hormones, including aldosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone.
This 1997 double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study investigated the effects of oral progesterone on sleep architecture in nine healthy male volunteers. Administration of 300 mg micronized progesterone at 9:30 PM significantly increased non-REM sleep, particularly stage 2, and decreased slow-wave activity (0.4–4.3 Hz) in EEG recordings. There was also a trend
