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Memi E, Pavli P, Papagianni M, Vrachnis N, Mastorakos G. Diagnostic and therapeutic use of oral micronized progesterone in endocrinology. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:751-772. [PMID: 38652231 PMCID: PMC11294403 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-024-09882-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Progesterone is a natural steroid hormone, while progestins are synthetic molecules. In the female reproductive system, progesterone contributes to the control of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone secretion and their pulsatility, via its receptors on the kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin neurons in the hypothalamus. Progesterone together with estradiol controls the cyclic changes of proliferation and decidualization of the endometrium; exerts anti-mitogenic actions on endometrial epithelial cells; regulates normal menstrual bleeding; contributes to fertilization and pregnancy maintenance; participates in the onset of labor. In addition, it exerts numerous effects on other endocrine systems. Micronized progesterone (MP) is natural progesterone with increased bioavailability, due to its pharmacotechnical micronized structure, which makes it an attractive diagnostic and therapeutic tool. This critical literature review aims to summarize and put forward the potential diagnostic and therapeutic uses of MP in the field of endocrinology. During reproductive life, MP is used for diagnostic purposes in the evaluation of primary or secondary amenorrhea as a challenge test. Moreover, it can be prescribed to women presenting with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea for induction of withdrawal bleeding, in order to time blood-sampling for diagnostic purposes in early follicular phase. Therapeutically, MP, alone or combined with estrogens, is a useful tool in various endocrine disorders including primary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding due to disordered ovulation, luteal phase deficiency, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, secondary amenorrhea [functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, premature ovarian insufficiency], perimenopause and menopause. When administrated per os, acting as a neurosteroid directly or through its metabolites, it exerts beneficial effects on brain function such as alleviation of symptoms of anxiety and depression, asw well as of sleep problems, while it improves working memory in peri- and menopausal women. Micronized progesterone preserves full potential of progesterone activity, without presenting many of the side-effects of progestins. Although it has been associated with more frequent drowsiness and dizziness, it can be well tolerated with nocturnal administration. Because of its better safety profile, especially with regard to metabolic ailments, breast cancer risk and veno-thromboembolism risk, MP is the preferred option for individuals with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and of all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Memi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes mellitus, and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sophias Av. 76, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Polina Pavli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes mellitus, and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sophias Av. 76, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papagianni
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42100, Trikala, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini Str. 1, 12462, Chaidari, Athens, Greece
- St George's NHS Foundation Trust Teaching Hospitals, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes mellitus, and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sophias Av. 76, 11528, Athens, Greece.
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Muneeba S, Acharya N, Mohammad S. The Role of Dydrogesterone in the Management of Luteal Phase Defect: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e48194. [PMID: 38050524 PMCID: PMC10693668 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is a pivotal period characterized by hormonal intricacies that lay the foundation for successful embryo implantation and early pregnancy development. Luteal phase defect (LPD), marked by abnormalities in luteal function, presents challenges that can impede reproductive outcomes. This comprehensive review article explores the role of dydrogesterone in LPD management, elucidating its mechanisms of action, evidence of efficacy, safety profile, and potential in combination therapies. Dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestogen, closely mirrors natural progesterone's actions, effectively supplementing the luteal phase and enhancing endometrial receptivity. Clinical studies demonstrate improved pregnancy rates, extended luteal phase support, and enhanced reproductive outcomes with dydrogesterone supplementation. Its favorable safety profile, minimal side effects, and reduced risk of unwanted hormonal effects contribute to its appeal. Furthermore, dydrogesterone's inclusion in international guidelines solidifies its importance in LPD management. Combination therapies, leveraging synergistic effects, offer a comprehensive approach. As gaps in knowledge persist, future research directions and personalized treatment strategies pave the way for a future where dydrogesterone stands as a beacon of hope in conquering the challenges of LPD and achieving successful reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikh Muneeba
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Neema Acharya
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Shazia Mohammad
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Yang T, Zhao J, Liu F, Li Y. Lipid metabolism and endometrial receptivity. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:858-889. [PMID: 35639910 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has now been recognized as a high-risk factor for reproductive health. Although remarkable advancements have been made in ART, a considerable number of infertile obese women still suffer from serial implantation failure, despite the high quality of embryos transferred. Although obesity has long been known to exert various deleterious effects on female fertility, the underlying mechanisms, especially the roles of lipid metabolism in endometrial receptivity, remain largely elusive. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes current evidence on the impacts of several major lipids and lipid-derived mediators on the embryonic implantation process. Emerging methods for evaluating endometrial receptivity, for example transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis, are also discussed. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the following keywords: (lipid or fatty acid or prostaglandin or phospholipid or sphingolipid or endocannabinoid or lysophosphatidic acid or cholesterol or progesterone or estrogen or transcriptomic or lipidomic or obesity or dyslipidemia or polycystic ovary syndrome) AND (endometrial receptivity or uterine receptivity or embryo implantation or assisted reproductive technology or in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer). A comprehensive literature search was performed on the roles of lipid-related metabolic pathways in embryo implantation published between January 1970 and March 2022. Only studies with original data and reviews published in English were included in this review. Additional information was obtained from references cited in the articles resulting from the literature search. OUTCOMES Recent studies have shown that a fatty acids-related pro-inflammatory response in the embryo-endometrium boundary facilitates pregnancy via mediation of prostaglandin signaling. Phospholipid-derived mediators, for example endocannabinoids, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine-1-phosphate, are associated with endometrial receptivity, embryo spacing and decidualization based on evidence from both animal and human studies. Progesterone and estrogen are two cholesterol-derived steroid hormones that synergistically mediate the structural and functional alterations in the uterus ready for blastocyst implantation. Variations in serum cholesterol profiles throughout the menstrual cycle imply a demand for steroidogenesis at the time of window of implantation (WOI). Since 2002, endometrial transcriptomic analysis has been serving as a diagnostic tool for WOI dating. Numerous genes that govern lipid homeostasis have been identified and, based on specific alterations of lipidomic signatures differentially expressed in WOI, lipidomic analysis of endometrial fluid provides a possibility for non-invasive diagnosis of lipids alterations during the WOI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Given that lipid metabolic dysregulation potentially plays a role in infertility, a better understanding of lipid metabolism could have significant clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianli Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, and Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
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Góes L, Vilarino F, Oba E, Bondan E. Review of the literature on corpus luteum insufficiency in women (2015–2020) and in domestic animals (1980–2020). CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN GINECOLOGIA Y OBSTETRICIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gine.2021.100724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Le TMC, Duong KT, Nguyen QA, Ong PT, Nguyen THN, Thai TCT, Le QT, Roque M, Alviggi C. Effectiveness of progesterone supplementation in women presenting low progesterone levels on the day of frozen embryo transfer: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057353. [PMID: 35197354 PMCID: PMC8867304 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progesterone is an essential hormone involved in the process of implantation and pregnancy maintenance. Evidence from recent studies has supported the importance of serum progesterone level around the time of embryo transfer in hormonal replacement therapy frozen embryo transfer cycles and recommended the need for individualised luteal support. Low progesterone around the time of embryo transfer is found to be associated with decreased rate of pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer. This single-centre, longitudinal, randomised, interventional controlled study aims to compare the rate of ongoing pregnancy between two groups of women with progesterone level below 10 ng/mL on the day of frozen embryo transfer: the study group using 800 mg vaginal micronised progesterone supplemented with 50 mg intramuscular progesterone per day and the control group using only 800 mg vaginal micronised progesterone. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We enrol patients who are undergoing frozen embryo transfers with blastocyst-stage or cleavage-stage embryos and who satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After signing the informed consent, participants are randomised into two groups: the study group using vaginal micronised progesterone supplemented with progesterone intramuscular 50 mg per day and the control group using only vaginal micronised progesterone. Randomisation will be performed using R software at a 1:1 allocation ratio. Sequentially numbered, opaque sealed envelopes are used for allocation. The primary outcome is the rate of ongoing pregnancy. To demonstrate a difference of 10% with regard to rate of ongoing pregnancy, at least 370 participants per arm are required (type I error α=0.05, power=0.8). Assuming a dropout rate of 10%, a total of 824 patients (412 per group) will be invited. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tu Du Hospital on 17 May 2021 (reference number: 1251/QĐ-BVTD). All participants provide informed consent before being enrolled in the study. The results of our study will be submitted to reproductive medicine conferences and journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04897269.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Minh Chau Le
- Department of Infertility, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Khue Tu Duong
- Department of Infertility, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Quoc Anh Nguyen
- Department of Infertility, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Phuc Thinh Ong
- Mathematical Modelling Group, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | | | - Thi Cam Thu Thai
- Department of Infertility, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Quang Thanh Le
- Research Unit, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Matheus Roque
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Mater Prime, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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