| |
progesterone
(pro-jesītә-rōn)
a steroid sex hormone that is the principal progestational agent and plays a major part in the menstrual cycle. During the maturation of the secondary oocyte, estrogen, the principal female sex hormone, is produced at a high rate. At ovulation estrogen production is sharply reduced, and the
ovary then creates within itself a special structure called the corpus luteum whose sole function is to produce progesterone. Unless fertilization takes place, the corpus luteum disappears when it has performed its function. The progesterone it has produced is promptly carried by the blood to the uterus, as was the estrogen previously. The two hormones now work to prepare the uterus for possible conception. In pregnancy progesterone acts to help protect the embryo and foster growth of the placenta. Called also progestational hormone.
the same principle isolated from pregnant pigs or prepared synthetically, used as a progestational agent in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding and abnormalities of the menstrual cycle, as part of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, as a test for endogenous estrogen production, and as an adjunct in the treatment of infertility due to partial or complete
ovarian failure; administered orally, intramuscularly, or intravaginally.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|
