Evidence supporting the use of: Cholesterol
For the body system: Progesterone

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Cholesterol is scientifically validated as a precursor for the synthesis of progesterone and other steroid hormones in the body. In humans and other animals, all steroid hormones—including progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, and testosterone—are synthesized from cholesterol. The process begins in the mitochondria of steroidogenic tissues, where cholesterol is converted by the enzyme CYP11A1 (side-chain cleavage enzyme) into pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is then converted into progesterone by the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This pathway is well-documented in biochemistry and endocrinology literature (source).

While cholesterol intake from the diet is not directly correlated with progesterone levels in most healthy individuals (due to endogenous cholesterol synthesis), the physiological role of cholesterol as the essential substrate for progesterone production is unequivocal. Severe cholesterol deficiency—either genetic or acquired—can disrupt steroid hormone synthesis, including progesterone, leading to clinical consequences. However, routine cholesterol supplementation for the purpose of increasing progesterone levels is not typically practiced, as the body tightly regulates cholesterol synthesis and utilization.

In summary, there is strong scientific evidence that cholesterol is required for the biosynthesis of progesterone, but the clinical use of cholesterol specifically to "support" progesterone production is not standard unless there is an underlying deficiency or metabolic disorder.

More about Cholesterol
More about Progesterone

Products containing Cholesterol

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