Tissue effects

Progestogens have effects on a wide range of tissues:

• oviducts:
  • reduced mucus secretion
  • reduced number of cilia
• uterus - see submenu
• cervix: alteration in consistency of mucus makes it more difficult for sperm to traverse; this is the basis for one of the contraceptive actions
• breast:
  • stimulates development of milk ducts in combination with other hormones such as prolactin
  • localized fluid retention, increasing volume and tenderness, towards the end of the cycle
• kidneys: inhibition of aldosterone action with increased excretion of salt
• other hormonal cells: inhibits LH release, so interfering with ovulation - underlies its role as a contraceptive within the minipill - progesterone-only pill

Menstruation is largely the result of progestogen withdrawal.