Generally, it is perceived that progesterone is associated with females and the only function evident for progesterone is the maintenance of pregnancy. But in medical terms, progesterone is a hormone with variable functions. It is not only associated with women and pregnancy but also linked with men to some extent.
Is progesterone present in men?
Yes, progesterone is also present in men. Although they produce less amount of progesterone than women. Generally, men produce 1 ng/mL progesterone. But its production of women is variable depending upon their physiological state.
Why men need progesterone?
Men also need progesterone. In fact, they need it more than women. With the growth of men age, the level of estrogen begins to rise. This can affect their masculinity. Progesterone is there to counteract the effects of estrogen. It helps males to maintain their male sexual characters. It, in turn, regulates their libido. Progesterone is the precursor of main male sex hormone testosterone. That is why it has great importance for men. Progesterone undergoes two biological reactions, first, it forms Androstenedione which is then converted to testosterone. This takes place is testicular tissues which make progesterone an integral hormone for men.
Effects of progesterone on prostate
The prostate is male gland surrounding the neck of the urinary bladder. This gland is very crucial as it regulates the flow of semen ( fluid containing sperms) and releases it whenever needed. This gland is also prone to cancer which is called as Benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ). As this gland plays a role in the sexual activity of males, it definitely needs progesterone. Progesterone is needed by the prostate as it stimulates its normal growth. It maintains the testosterone to estrogen ratio by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is a weak androgen. It regulates the healthy apoptosis ( programmed cell death) and saves it from becoming a malignancy.
Progesterone as a rescuer of BPH and prostatic tumor
BPH and prostatic tumor are very common complications in men of advancing age. Especially after 50, they develop BPH which leads to urinary problems and decreased libido. Progesterone is used in the treatment of such problems because of its enzymatic inhibiting abilities. This hormone is the inhibitor of enzyme 5-alpha-reductase ( which converts testosterone to DHT) thus depleting the reserves of DHT which is needed for the growth of the prostatic tumor. It also produces marked involution of the prostatic gland thus saving it from malignancy.
Supplements for progesterone
With advancing age the amount of progesterone starts to deplete. The required intake of progesterone depends upon current progesterone levels. Taking a large number of supplements can cause large breasts. It leads to the development of female characters.
What happens when progesterone level falls?
As progesterone is related to testosterone it causes following effects when in low amount:
- Decreased libido
- Lethargy
- hair fall
- Obesity
- Gynecomastia
- Erectile dysfunction
- Impotency
- Bone resorption
- Muscle atrophy
- Depression and agitation
- Hyperplasia of prostate
- Tumor or cancer of the prostate
Summary:
To recapitulate, progesterone is also needed physiologically by males. It maintains the testosterone to estrogen ratio. It has prominent effects on growth of prostate gland. It is used for prostatic therapy in old aged men. BPH is the major complication of males which leads to decreased semen flow and obstructive uropathy. Progesterone is used in the treatment of BPH. Moreover, it is also used to maintain libido.
