Clinical uses of antiprogestogens

Progesterone is essential to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Compounds that inhibit the synthesis of progesterone, or antagonize progesterone action, have multiple effects including the induction of abortion, labor induction, contraception, and cervical ripening. They also may be used in the treatment of endometriosis, fibromyomata, meningiomas, Cushing syndrome, and glaucoma. Antiprogesterone compounds will play important roles in manipulating reproductive function for fertility control and in the management of hormone-dependent disease. This article reviews the potential of antiprogesterone compounds. (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2000;7:S49-52) Copyright (C) 2000 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.