medroxyprogesterone

[mi-drok-see-proh-jes-tuh-rohn]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a progesterone derivative, C 2 4 H 3 4 O 4 , used in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding and secondary amenorrhea, as a contraceptive of long duration, and in the treatment of certain cancers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of medroxyprogesterone¹

me(thyl) + (hy)droxy- + progesterone

Example Sentences

Some experts later recognized that this increased risk could be attributed to the particular hormonal medication used in the study, medroxyprogesterone acetate—a formulation that doctors have since moved away from for hormone replacement therapy.

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Depo-Provera, also known as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, is injected into a woman's arm.

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