Progesterone has long been used by the women of West Virginia for a variety of reasons, but men and women could be using the female sex hormone for something completely different in the years to come. A new trial has recently begun that could lead to progesterone as a treatment for traumatic brain injuries.

Many people with brain injuries are left unable to work and dependent on disability benefits to cover their medical costs, house payments, food and other costs of living. In two to three years, however, people who have sustained brain injuries may need some down time, but may ultimately be able to continue working and resume living their lives with a new progesterone treatment. The current study is looking into whether progesterone can be used to prevent or diminish brain swelling in patients who received a head injury.