Which description applies to progesterone?

Which description applies to progesterone?

• A. A peptide hormone produced by the pituitary
• B. A hormone that increases blood glucose
• C. A mineralocorticoid produced by adrenal cortex
• D. A steroid hormone released by the corpus luteum that stimulates the uterus to prepare for pregnancy

Answer: (D)

Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation (and by the placenta during pregnancy). It acts on the endometrium to promote secretory changes that prepare the uterus for implantation and help maintain the uterine lining if pregnancy occurs. This distinguishes it from peptide hormones produced by the pituitary, from hormones that raise blood glucose like cortisol, and from mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone. As a steroid, it passes through cell membranes and binds intracellular receptors to regulate gene expression, leading to the secretory state of the endometrium that supports early pregnancy.

Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation (and by the placenta during pregnancy). It acts on the endometrium to promote secretory changes that prepare the uterus for implantation and help maintain the uterine lining if pregnancy occurs. This distinguishes it from peptide hormones produced by the pituitary, from hormones that raise blood glucose like cortisol, and from mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone. As a steroid, it passes through cell membranes and binds intracellular receptors to regulate gene expression, leading to the secretory state of the endometrium that supports early pregnancy.