progesterone

American  

[proh-jes-tuh-rohn] / proʊˈdʒɛs təˌroʊn /

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 British  

/ prəʊˈdʒɛstəˌrəʊn /

noun

1. Also called: corpus luteum hormone.  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

---

progesterone Scientific  

/ 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 .

---

Etymology

Origin of progesterone

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

Compare meaning

How does progesterone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• progestin vs. progesterone

Example Sentences

HRT provides women with bioidentical estrogen that their bodies no longer make regularly or at all, in addition to progesterone in most cases.

From MarketWatch

They also collected urine samples on filter paper to measure estrogen and progesterone, allowing them to identify when ovulation occurred.

From Science Daily

NHS-prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, is traditionally a combination of oestrogen and progesterone.

From BBC

It typically consists of taking estradiol—delivered through pills, patches, gels and sprays—often given in combination with oral progesterone to reduce the risk of uterine cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hormone-replacement therapy, which consists of estrogen and progesterone, alleviates short-term symptoms of menopause.

From The Wall Street Journal