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.

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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

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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 .

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Etymology

Origin of progesterone

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

Compare meaning

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

• progestin vs. progesterone

Example Sentences

Hamilton points to research on female athletes that found higher rates of ligament injuries at certain points in the cycle, likely linked to progesterone and estrogen’s effects on connective tissue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

Hormones such as progesterone and oxytocin play a major role in controlling this process.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

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 • Jan. 7, 2026

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

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025

No. 11 had 3,560 picograms of progesterone per milliliter, compared to 56 picograms per milliliter for Wolf No. 10, whose reproductive tract appeared immature.

From An Experimental Translocation of the Eastern Timber Wolf by Hook, Richard A.