noun
progesterone
pruh-JES-tuh-rohn/prəˈdʒestərəʊn/
A hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and helps maintain pregnancy.
Progesterone from the ovary helps maintain the lining of the uterus.
Etymology
The name Progesteron rests on the idea of a substance that favors gestation, or carrying young in the womb. It highlights the hormone’s role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
In context
the corpus luteum secretes high levels of progesterone and progesterone is a steroid sex hormone as well
More examples
- Progesterone levels usually rise after ovulation.
- The doctor ordered a blood test to measure progesterone.
- She takes progesterone as part of her prescribed hormone therapy.
Forms
progesterone
Similar words
- estrogen
- Also regulates the menstrual cycle, but promotes uterine lining growth.
- progestin
- A synthetic hormone that mimics progesterone’s effects.