20α-Dihydroprogesterone
A steroid hormone and metabolite of progesterone
20α-Dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP) is a steroid hormone that is a metabolite of progesterone. It is part of the progestogen class of hormones and plays a role in the reproductive system of mammals.
Biochemistry[edit | edit source]
20α-Dihydroprogesterone is synthesized from progesterone by the action of the enzyme 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD). This enzyme catalyzes the reduction of the 20-keto group of progesterone to a 20α-hydroxyl group, resulting in the formation of 20α-DHP.
In the body, 20α-DHP can be further metabolized to other compounds, or it can exert its own biological effects. It is known to have a lower affinity for the progesterone receptor compared to progesterone itself, which means it is generally considered to have weaker progestogenic activity.
Physiological Role[edit | edit source]
20α-Dihydroprogesterone is involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is thought to play a role in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, where it may help to modulate the effects of progesterone. During pregnancy, 20α-DHP levels can influence the maintenance of the corpus luteum and the production of other hormones necessary for sustaining pregnancy.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
The levels of 20α-Dihydroprogesterone can be measured in the blood to assess ovarian function and to monitor the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Abnormal levels of 20α-DHP may indicate issues with progesterone metabolism or ovarian function.
Related Compounds[edit | edit source]
20α-Dihydroprogesterone is one of several metabolites of progesterone. Other related compounds include 5α-dihydroprogesterone and allopregnanolone, which also have distinct roles and effects in the body.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD