progesterone

noun pro·ges·ter·one \ prō-ˈje-stə-ˌrōn \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

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

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Recent Examples of progesterone from the Web

Doctors may offer artificial replacements of estrogen, progesterone or a combination, which is called menopausal hormone therapy (formerly hormone replacement therapy, or HRT).

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "Hormone replacement may fight belly fat, study says," 27 Mar. 2018
The substance used in the study, DMAU, has properties similar to both androgens, such as testosterone, and progestins, such as progesterone.

— mark lieber, CNN, "Male birth control pill one step closer to reality, researchers say," 20 Mar. 2018
RU-486contains a synthetic steroid called mifepristone, which interferes with the body’s production of progesterone necessary to sustain pregnancy.

— Newsweek, "Amazing Photos of Bioluminescent Phytoplankton," 14 Mar. 2018
In response, the cells secreted levels of estrogen and progesterone found in a typical menstrual cycle—including during ovulation—replicating the signaling that occurs among different female reproductive organs.

— dina fine maron, Scientific American, "Menstrual Cycle “on a Chip” Offers a New Window into Female Physiology," 1 June 2017
Blame this symptom on the surge in estrogen and progesterone that occurs right before your period hits.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "4 Period Symptoms No One Ever Talks About," 8 Mar. 2018
The combo works by blocking progesterone, the hormone your body needs to sustain pregnancy, then prompting your uterus to empty.

— jennifer gerson uffalussy, Cosmopolitan, "Planned Parenthood Will Launch 10 New Video Chat Abortion Locations in 2018," 6 Feb. 2018
What happens with menses every month is that the lining of the uterus grows, due to estrogen and progesterone.

— katie heaney, The Cut, "An Endometriosis Expert on Why Lena Dunham’s Hysterectomy Is Unusual," 15 Feb. 2018
The study’s authors prescribed progesterone and estradiol, hormones that can influence lactation and that normally occur in pregnant women.

— ceylan yeginsu, New York Times, "Transgender Woman Breast-Feeds Baby After Hospital Induces Lactation," 15 Feb. 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.

Origin and Etymology of progesterone

progestin + -sterone

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First Known Use: 1935

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PROGESTERONE Defined for English Language Learners

progesterone

noun

Definition of progesterone for English Language Learners

medical : a substance (called a hormone) that occurs naturally in women and female animals

Medical Dictionary

progesterone

noun pro·ges·ter·one \ prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn \

medical Definition of progesterone

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See words that rhyme with progesterone Spanish Central: Translation of progesterone Nglish: Translation of progesterone for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about progesterone

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progesterone

Definition of progesterone

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Origin and Etymology of progesterone

PROGESTERONE Defined for English Language Learners

progesterone

Definition of progesterone for English Language Learners

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progesterone

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