progesterone

noun
pro·​ges·​ter·​one | \ prō-ˈje-stə-ˌrōn How to pronounce progesterone (audio) \

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

The hormones most commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause are estrogen and progesterone. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, "Breast cancer risk linked to hormone therapy can persist for years, study says," 29 Aug. 2019 Your other option is an OTC morning-after pill like Plan B or Next Choice, both of which use levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, to delay ovulation. Zahra Barnes, SELF, "6 Ways You Can Still Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraception," 18 July 2019 Estrogen and progesterone have been shown to weaken blood vessel walls, which could leave them more vulnerable to the kind of tear that results in SCAD. Natasha Lavender, SELF, "Meet SCAD, a Major Cause of Heart Attacks in Women 50 and Under," 22 Aug. 2019 University of Illinois at Chicago researchers are trying to help women who have a history of suicidal thoughts by looking at how the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, can affect their mood. Kate Thayer, chicagotribune.com, "Can hormone stabilization keep suicidal thoughts at bay for women? UIC researchers are looking for answers.," 15 Aug. 2019 Scientists have observed that women tend to eat more when estrogen levels are low and progesterone levels are high—as occurs during the luteal phase. Sara Twogood, Quartz, "The science behind why you crave carbs when you’re on your period," 7 Aug. 2019 The drug blocks the hormone progesterone, stopping a pregnancy from progressing. Anna North, Vox, "A boom in at-home abortions is coming," 9 July 2019 Scientists had long known that high levels of estrogen and progesterone effectively inhibited ovulation. Robert D. Mcfadden, New York Times, "George Rosenkranz, a Developer of the Birth Control Pill, Dies at 102," 23 June 2019 For adult women, birth control pills with low-dose estrogen and progesterone are often helpful, says Melanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist in San Diego. Christina Heiser, NBC News, "What are the best skin care products for acne-prone skin? Look for these key ingredients," 25 July 2019

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.

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First Known Use of progesterone

1935, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for progesterone

progestin + -sterone

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More Definitions for progesterone

progesterone

noun

English Language Learners Definition of progesterone

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

progesterone

noun
pro·​ges·​ter·​one | \ prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn How to pronounce progesterone (audio) \

Medical 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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