Menstrual cycle and the lining of the uterus thickens. Follicles in the ovary begin developing under the influence of a complex interplay of hormones, and after several days one or occasionally two become dominant (non-dominant follicles shrink and die). Approximately mid-cycle, 24–36 hours after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, the dominant follicle releases an ovocyte, in an event called ovulation. After ovulation, the ovocyte only lives for 24 hours or less without fertilization while the remains of the dominant follicle in the ovary become a corpus luteum; this body has a primary function of producing large amounts of progesterone. Under the influence
Pharmacokinetics of progesterone and has been found to result in higher serum peak progesterone levels relative to intramuscular oil formulations. In addition, subcutaneous injection of progesterone is considered to be easier, safer (less risk of injection site reactions), and less painful relative to intramuscular injection. The elimination half-life of this formulation is 13 to 18 hours, compared to 20 to 28 hours for intramuscular injection in oil. Progesterone has a very short elimination half-life of about 3 to 90 minutes when given by intravenous injection. A one-year progesterone intrauterine device (IUD) for hormonal birth control was previously available in the United States and