Re: Is progesterone an anabolic or catabolic hormone?

David-

I'm afraid your question doesn't have an easy either/or answer. This is 
because progesterone has effects on several cell types, takes on 
additional roles during pregnancy, and often interacts with (and depends 
on)other hormones, notably estrogen, to produce responses. As a result, 
any answer about the effect of progesterone depends on the particular 
tissue type, reproductive status, and concentrations of other hormones 
present.

As an example, in the endometrium, the cells lining the uterus, 
progesterone is well established in its role for causing growth and 
development if preparation for implantation. This would be categorized as 
an anabolic response. In contrast, in the body more generally 
progesterone causes a thermogenic (heat generating) response through a 
rise in metabolic rate, which would increase catabolism (Israel and 
Schneller, Fertility and Sterility, 1950;1:53-65).

For a good, though somewhat dated, review of the effects of progesterone 
on general metabolism, see  Kalkhoff RK, Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1982 Mar 
15;142(6 Pt 2):735-8.