Hydroxyprogesterone heptanoate

Hydroxyprogesterone heptanoate is a synthetic steroid and derivative of progesterone. It is used in medicine as a progestogen and has been in medical use since the 1960s.

Chemical Structure

Hydroxyprogesterone heptanoate is a progestin that is a derivative of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. It is a long-acting ester of hydroxyprogesterone formed from heptanoic acid and hydroxyprogesterone in a reaction catalyzed by an enzyme known as an esterase.

Pharmacology

Hydroxyprogesterone heptanoate is a progestogen, meaning it binds to and activates the progesterone receptor, the main biological target of the progestogen sex hormone progesterone. This results in a mix of agonistic and antagonistic effects at other steroid hormone receptors, due to the structural similarity between steroid hormones.

Medical Uses

Hydroxyprogesterone heptanoate is used in medicine in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including menstrual disorders, infertility, and to support pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. It is also used in hormone therapy for transgender women.

Side Effects

Like all medications, hydroxyprogesterone heptanoate can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and headache. More serious side effects can include depression, jaundice, and thrombosis.

See Also

• Progesterone
• Progestogen
• Synthetic steroid
• Hormone therapy