Are there any medical indications for men to take progesterone?

Medical Indications for Progesterone in Men

There are no established medical indications for progesterone use in men, as current clinical guidelines do not support its routine use for any male-specific conditions.

Current Evidence on Progesterone Use in Men

The medical literature provides very limited evidence for progesterone use in men. While there has been some preliminary research exploring potential applications, none have reached the level of clinical guideline recommendations:

Potential Areas Under Investigation

1. Neurological Applications

   • Some research suggests progesterone may have neuroprotective effects that could potentially benefit conditions like traumatic brain injury 1
   • However, these applications remain experimental and have not been incorporated into clinical practice guidelines

2. Male Contraception

   • Testosterone/progesterone combinations have been studied as potential male contraceptives 2
   • These work by suppressing pituitary gonadotropins (LH and FSH) to decrease sperm production
   • However, no progesterone-based male contraceptive has been approved for clinical use

3. Prostate Conditions

   • Some preliminary research has explored progesterone derivatives for prostate conditions 1
   • Megestrol acetate (a progesterone derivative) has been used in advanced prostate cancer
   • However, this is not the same as natural progesterone, and current guidelines do not recommend natural progesterone for prostate conditions

Important Considerations

• Unintended Exposure: Men can absorb progesterone during intercourse with female partners using vaginal progesterone gel 3, which could potentially cause adverse effects such as decreased libido

• Side Effects: Progesterone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other central nervous system effects 4, 5

• Lack of Regulatory Approval: No progesterone formulations are FDA-approved for use in men

Clinical Context

In contrast to the lack of indications for men, progesterone has well-established uses in women:

• Prevention of preterm birth in women with short cervix or history of spontaneous preterm birth 6
• Hormone replacement therapy for women with premature ovarian insufficiency 6, 7
• Limited evidence for use in certain dermatological conditions like lichen sclerosus in women 6

Conclusion

Based on current clinical guidelines and available evidence, there are no established medical indications for progesterone use in men. Any use would be considered experimental or off-label. If a male patient is inquiring about progesterone use, they should be counseled about the lack of evidence supporting its use and the potential for adverse effects.