Used in hormone therapy to support pregnancy, especially in women with a history of premature birth due to cervical insufficiency. Helps maintain the uterine lining and prevent early contractions. Also used in the treatment of certain hormonal imbalances and adrenal gland disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia, where it helps regulate steroid hormone production. In some cases, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other steroid hormones in pharmaceutical manufacturing.