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. 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

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

The menstrual cycle is orchestrated by the rhythmic fluctuations of two hormones – oestrogen and progesterone.

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Back in France, Dr Baulieu designed a method to block the effect of the hormone progesterone – which is essential for the egg to implant in the uterus following fertilisation.

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Combined preparations containing both oestrogen and progesterone instead increase the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis.

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For instance, women tend to report worse sleep during the time in their menstrual cycle when estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.

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

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