progestin vs. progesterone

progestin vs. progesterone: What's the difference?

Progestin and progesterone are both hormones that serve the same purpose. Progesterone, found naturally in the human body, is best known for preparing the uterus for a fertilized ovary and maintaining a pregnancy. Progestin is a lab-created substance that has the same effects as progesterone and is used for medical purposes such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy.

progestin

[proh-jes-tin] / proʊˈdʒɛs tɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

any substance having progesteronelike activity.

progesterone

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

noun

Biochemistry. a hormone, C 2 1 H 3 0 O 2 , that prepares the uterus for the fertilized ovum and maintains pregnancy.
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.