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

“I finally figured out that my cortisol was really high and that my progesterone and my estrogen were low,” Hataway said.

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The hormone estradiol could also be used to alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and progesterone could be used to protect the uterine lining and improve sleep quality.

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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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