Research Progress of Progesterone Preparations: A Mini Review

BACKGROUND: Progesterone is a sex steroid hormone. Since it has been discovered, it is widely used in the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth, hormone replacement therapy and other gynecological conditions. METHODS: We will review the progesterone preparations based on a comprehensive study of papers and patents from the traditional preparations up through the very recent literatures. RESULTS: This review mainly concentrates on oral, vaginal and micro delivery systems, involving different ways to prepare progesterone preparations. CONCLUSION: Although progesterone has first-pass effects, with these methods, the bioavailability and compliance can be greatly increased.