progesterone

noun

pro·ges·ter·one | \ prō-ˈje-stə-ˌrōn

Definition of progesterone

: a female steroid sex hormone C₂₁H₃₀O₂ that is secreted by the corpus luteum to prepare the endometrium for implantation and later by the placenta during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing embryo or fetus also : a synthetic steroid resembling progesterone in action

Examples of progesterone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During pregnancy, levels of progesterone reach all-time highs, but after giving birth, levels of the hormone drop quickly, which researchers think could be tied to postpartum depression. — Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, "The New Postpartum Depression Drug Zulresso Comes With a Catch," 20 Mar. 2019 Rising hormones in pregnancy, such as estrogen and progesterone, may also contribute by impacting dopamine production, though the scientific jury is still out. — Kristin Auble, SELF, "9 Facts to Know About Restless Legs Syndrome," 16 Mar. 2019 As a general rule, multiphasic pills are designed in part to mimic the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone levels during a regular menstrual cycle, thereby potentially reducing birth control side effects. — SELF, "Here’s Exactly How to Find the Best Birth Control Pill for You," 14 Sep. 2018 For women at high risk of preterm delivery, a number of practices can help postpone delivery until 39 weeks, such as the use of a cervical cerclage or progesterone therapy, Ananth said. — Mark Lieber, CNN, "US stillbirths and newborn deaths down 11.5%, study says," 14 May 2018 This time, the chatter revolves around Khloé’s low progesterone levels. — Mariah Smith, The Cut, "The Kardashian Sisters Take a Break From Fertility Concerns by Playing Dress-Up," 26 Feb. 2018 The zinc found in oysters controls progesterone levels which are said to have a positive effect on the libido. — Redbook, "Aphrodisiac Food & Wine Pairings to Prime Your Valentine," 9 Feb. 2011 Those faintly balmy conditions are linked to a surge in progesterone in the latter half of the menstrual cycle, called the luteal phase. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "“Natural” birth-control app dogged by unwanted pregnancies gets FDA approval," 15 Aug. 2018 This protein is driven by progesterone, the hormone that surges to sustain a pregnancy. — Marie Mccullough, Philly.com, "Can the abortion pill treat advanced lung cancer? This infertility expert wants to find out," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'progesterone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.