Hydroxyprogesterone

Hydroxyprogesterone is a progestin medication which is used in the prevention of preterm birth in women who are pregnant with a single baby and have a history of preterm birth. It is also used in hormone therapy for transgender women. Hydroxyprogesterone is not effective in women pregnant with more than one baby.

Pharmacology

Hydroxyprogesterone acts as a progestogen. This means it binds to and activates the progesterone receptor, the biological target of the natural hormone progesterone. The medication has some glucocorticoid activity, but does not appear to have any estrogenic, androgenic, or mineralocorticoid activity.

Medical uses

Hydroxyprogesterone is used to prevent preterm birth in women who have already had one premature baby. It is not known if the medication is effective in women who are pregnant with more than one baby. The medication is also used in hormone therapy for transgender women.

Side effects

Common side effects of hydroxyprogesterone include injection site reactions, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side effects may include blood clots, allergic reactions, depression, and yellowing of the skin.

History

Hydroxyprogesterone was first made in 1953 and was introduced for medical use in the United States in 1956. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.

See also

• Progesterone (medication)
• 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone