What does progesterone mean?
Progesterone is a steroid hormone central to the female reproductive system. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, prepares the uterine lining for implantation, and supports pregnancy. The hormone is produced by the ovaries before pregnancy and by the placenta during much of pregnancy, with smaller contributions from other tissues. Clinicians may use progesterone or related hormones in fertility treatment, the management of miscarriage, and certain other reproductive conditions. The word is also important in general discussions of hormonal contraception, although synthetic progestins are distinct from the body’s natural progesterone. In biology and medicine, the name usually denotes the hormone itself; in broader usage, it may refer more loosely to substances that have progesterone-like effects. Its familiar role in pregnancy makes it one of the most recognizable names in endocrinology.
nounA steroid hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy. It is produced chiefly by the ovaries and, during pregnancy, by the placenta.
- A natural steroid hormone that regulates reproductive function, especially the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
"Hormonal contraception works partly by preventing the ovaries from producing enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy."
"A blood test measured her progesterone levels during the luteal phase of her cycle."
"The clinician prescribed progesterone to support the uterine lining in certain fertility treatments."
The plural is uncommon in ordinary writing but is used when referring to different progesterone compounds or preparations.
"The researchers compared the effects of several progesterones in laboratory studies."
Progesterone is the hormone that helps turn the uterus into a safe environment for pregnancy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does progesterone come from?
The name was formed in the 20th century from the prefix pro-, meaning “before” or “in favour of,” and gestation, referring to pregnancy or carrying a developing offspring. Gestation itself comes through French from Latin gestatio, associated with the Latin verb gestare, “to carry” or “bear.” The same Latin root is reflected in words such as gesture and gestural, though their modern meanings have developed along separate lines.
How progesterone is actually used
In medicine and biology, the term usually refers to the natural hormone. In general discussion, it can be used more broadly for hormone-like substances involved in reproductive regulation, although the precise terminology distinguishes natural progesterone from synthetic progestins.
Easily confused with progesterone
Progesterone is the natural hormone produced by the body, whereas a progestin is a synthetic or altered form used in medicines.
Progesterone is associated with regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy, while testosterone is chiefly an androgen involved in the development of male sexual characteristics and reproductive function.