THE BIOAVAILABILITY OF NATURAL PROGESTERONE GIVEN BY MOUTH - MEASUREMENT OF STEROID CONCENTRATIONS IN PLASMA, ENDOMETRIUM AND BREAST-TISSUE

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 11  (3) , 355-363
Abstract
The effects of 2 galenic processes (micronization and addition of oil) on the bioavailability of progesterone administrated orally were studied. After ingestion of progestrone (200 mg), mean plasma progesterone rapidly rises up to the 2nd h and reaches levels of the normal luteal phase (12.6 .+-. 2.6 ng/ml). It then decreases progressively up to the 8th h. Daily administration of progesterone (300 mg) for 8 ys significantly increases the endometrial concentration of the steroid (18.3 .+-. 2.9 ng/ml) and efficiently corrects the tissue hormone deficiency. The breast tissue takes up and concentrates progesterone equally. After oral administration of the natural hormone, progesterone concentrations are considerably increased in the 3 tissue compartments studied (normal glands: 25.0 .+-. 9.7 ng/g; benign tumor: 38.0 .+-. 9.1 ng/g; adipodse tissue: 160.2 .+-. 65.4 ng/g). These pharmacokinetic results correspond to the requirements of general substitutive hormone therapy. They justify the use of natural oral progesterone therapy, providing the amount given is modified according to immediate clinical tolerance.

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