Progesterone and is responsible for approximately 70% of cytochrome P450-mediated progesterone metabolism. Other routes include 6α-, 16α-, and 16β-hydroxylation. However, treatment of women with ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, had minimal effects on progesterone levels, producing only a slight and non-significant increase, and this suggests that cytochrome P450 enzymes play only a small role in progesterone metabolism. In women, progesterone levels are relatively low during the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, rise after ovulation, and are elevated during the luteal phase, as shown in diagram below. Progesterone levels tend to be less than 2 ng/mL prior to ovulation, and greater
Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research stated that its research shows overall that regular menstrual cycles with ovulation help prevent osteoporosis, breast cancer, and heart disease. Dr. Prior has called menstrual cycles "a vital sign". CeMCOR does not conduct research funded by the pharmaceutical industry. Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) is a health research centre in Vancouver. According to the University of British Columbia, CeMCOR is the only centre in the world that focuses on ovulation and the causes and consequences of ovulation disturbances. CeMCOR is known for research on progesterone-only therapy for menopausal hot