progesterone

[ proh-jes-tuh-rohn ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a hormone, C 2 1 H 3 0 O 2 , that prepares the uterus for the fertilized ovum and maintains pregnancy.
2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from the corpus luteum of pregnant sows or synthesized: used in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, threatened or recurrent abortion, etc.

progesterone

/ prəʊˈdʒɛstəˌrəʊn /

noun

1. a steroid hormone, secreted mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary, that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy. Formula: C 21 H 30 O 2 Also calledcorpus luteum hormone

progesterone

/ prō-jĕs′tə-rōn′ /

1. A steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy, maintains pregnancy, and promotes development of the mammary glands. The main sources of progesterone are the ovary and the placenta. Chemical formula: C 21 H 30 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of progesterone¹

1930–35; blend of progestin and luteosterone (< German Luteosteron, synonymous with progestin, equivalent to Luteo- luteo- (representing corpus luteum ) + -steron ( sterol, -one ))

Word History and Origins

Origin of progesterone¹

C20: from pro- ¹+ ge ( station ) + ster ( ol ) + -one

Example Sentences

“We don't have enough brands of oestrogen patches and progesterone creams that we need in India.”

From BBC

It contains oestrogen, which reduces symptoms - but as this can thicken the womb lining, another hormone, progesterone, is often prescribed to protect the womb.

From BBC

As for expanding our family, my OB/GYN suggested taking progesterone for the fourth try.

From Los Angeles Times

During this stage women's oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate, causing them to experience mood changes, irregular menstrual cycles and other menopausal symptoms, including increased feelings of depression.

From Science Daily

Mifepristone gets in the way of this process by blocking the receptors that progesterone would normally bind with.

From Los Angeles Times