20β-Dihydroprogesterone
20β-Dihydroprogesterone
Chemical compound
20β-Dihydroprogesterone (20β-DHP), also known as 20β-hydroxyprogesterone (20β-OHP), is an endogenous metabolite of progesterone which is formed by 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-HSD).[1] It is a progestogen similarly to progesterone, with about 20 to 50% of the progestogenic activity of progesterone.[1][2] It can be converted by 20β-HSD into progesterone in the uterus.[3] The effects of 20β-HSD on the uterus, mammary glands, and in maintaining pregnancy have been studied.[3][4][5] The progestogenic activity of 20β-HSD has also been characterized in women.[6][4]