Progesterone is one of the naturally occurring sex hormones. It is secreted by the ovary as part of the menstrual cycle. It was first isolated in 1934 by Butenandt. Progestogens are synthetic forms of progesterone.

Are progestin and progesterone the same thing?

Progestins are synthetic forms of the body's naturally-occurring hormone progesterone. Progestins were designed to interact with progesterone receptors in the body in order to cause progesterone-like effects (1,2). This means that they do some of what the body's natural progesterone does.

Are there different types of progesterone?

Treatment. Progesterone substances used for medical uses are called progestogens. They are available in two forms: synthetic versions (progestins) and another version derived from plant sources, which is nearly identical to the body's own hormone and is often called "natural progesterone."