The Metabolic Effects of Progesterone in Man*†

INTEREST in the metabolic effects of progesterone has heretofore centered primarily about its role in the reproductive functions of the female organism, where its restricted growth-promoting influence on the uterus and breast have been well documented (1, 2). Its more general metabolic properties have not been so extensively explored. In this category progesterone has been shown to be life-preserving and salt-retaining in adrenalectomized rats, ferrets and dogs (3–6) and salt-retaining in normal dogs when administered in 10–20 mg. doses per day (5, 6). It failed, however, to support the work capacity of adrenalectomized rats (7), and in a man with Addison's disease who was maintained with added salt, 30 mg. of progesterone per day had no influence on urinary chloride excretion (8). Recently it has been demonstrated that progesterone induces growth in the sebaceous glands of rats (9). In contrast to this report of an anabolic effect and similar influence on the uterus and breast is the report of Abels and Dobriner (10) that 100 mg. daily of progesterone is catabolic in a normal man.