Navigating a plethora of progesterone receptors: Comments on the safety/risk of progesterone supplementation in women with a history of breast cancer or at high-risk for developing breast cancer

Progesterone and progestin agonists are potent steroid hormones. There are at least three major types of progesterone receptor (PR) families that interact with and respond to progesterone or progestin ligands. These receptors include ligand-activated transcription factor isoforms (PR-A and PR-B) encoded by the PGR gene, often termed classical or nuclear progesterone receptor (nPR), membrane-spanning progesterone receptor membrane component proteins known as PGRMC1/2, and a large family of progestin/adipoQ receptors or PAQRs (also called membrane PRs or mPRs). Cross-talk between mPRs and nPRs has also been reported. The complexity of progesterone actions via a plethora of diverse receptors warrants careful consideration of the clinical applications of progesterone, which primarily include birth control formulations in young women and hormone replacement therapy following menopause. Herein, we focus on the benefits and risk of progesterone/progestin supplementation. We conclude that progesterone-only supplementation is considered safe for most reproductive-age women. However, women who currently have ER + breast cancer or have had such cancer in the past should not take sex hormones, including progesterone. Women at high-risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer, either due to their family history or known genetic factors (such as BRCA1/2 mutation) or hormonal conditions, should avoid exogenous sex hormones and proceed with caution when considering using natural hormones to mitigate menopausal symptoms and/or improve quality of life after menopause. These individuals are urged to consult with a qualified OB-GYN physician to thoroughly assess the risks and benefits of sex hormone supplementation. As new insights into the homeostatic roles and specificity of highly integrated rapid signaling and nPR actions are revealed, we are hopeful that the benefits of using progesterone use may be fully realized without an increased risk of women’s cancer.