Pregnanediol

Pregnanediol is a metabolite of progesterone, a type of steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. It is excreted in the urine and can be used as a marker for ovulation.

Structure and Properties

Pregnanediol is a hydroxysteroid, specifically a 5β-dihydroxysteroid. It has a molecular formula of C21H36O3 and a molecular weight of 336.51 g/mol. It is a white, crystalline solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol and ether.

Metabolism

Pregnanediol is produced in the body from the metabolism of progesterone. This process involves the reduction of progesterone by the enzyme 5β-reductase, followed by the reduction of the resulting dihydroprogesterone by 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase to form pregnanediol.

Clinical Significance

The level of pregnanediol in the urine can be used as a marker for ovulation. During the menstrual cycle, the level of pregnanediol in the urine rises after ovulation and falls just before menstruation. Therefore, measuring the level of pregnanediol in the urine can help determine whether ovulation has occurred.

In addition, pregnanediol is also used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions related to progesterone, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), luteal phase defect, and infertility.

See Also

• Progesterone
• 5β-reductase
• 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Luteal phase defect
• Infertility

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