Progesterone (redirected from Progesterone congeners)

progesterone /pro·ges·te·rone/ (pro-jes´ter-on) the principal progestational hormone liberated by the corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, and placenta, whose function is to prepare the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized oocyte by inducing transformation of the endometrium from the proliferative to the secretory stage; 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 infertility therapy.

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pro·ges·ter·one (pr-jst-rn)

n.

1. A steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum and by the placenta, that acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum, to maintain pregnancy, and to promote development of the mammary glands. Also called corpus luteum hormone, luteohormone, progestational hormone.

2. A drug prepared from natural or synthetic progesterone, used in oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and in the treatment of menstrual and other gynecologic disorders.

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Progesterone

A hormone naturally secreted by the ovary, or manufactured synthetically, that prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Mentioned in: Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Dysmenorrhea, Endometrial Cancer, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Saw Palmetto

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progesterone,

n hormone responsible for preparing for and maintaining pregnancy in females. A drop in progesterone levels can result in spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) or labor and delivery.

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progesterone (prōjes´trōn),

n the ovarian hormone produced by the corpus luteum and responsible for preparing the endometrium for nidation and nourishment of the ovum. It also suppresses the production of the pituitary luteinizing hormone, estrus, and ovulation and stimulates the mammary glands.

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progesterone

a steroid sex hormone that is the principal progestational hormone. Used therapeutically in the treatment of threatened abortion in some species, in estrus control in dogs and cats, and occasionally in treatment of some types of skin diseases.

During the maturation of the ovum, estrogen, the principal female sex hormone, is produced at a high rate. At ovulation estrogen production is sharply reduced and the follicle is replaced by the corpus luteum of which the main function is to produce progesterone. Unless fertilization takes place, the corpus luteum disappears when it has performed its function.

The progesterone produced by the corpus luteum is promptly carried by the blood to the uterus, as was the estrogen that preceded it. Both hormones now work to prepare the uterus for possible conception.

In pregnancy, progesterone acts in a way that protects the embryo and fosters growth of the placenta. By decreasing the frequency of uterine contractions it helps to prevent expulsion of the implanted ovum. It also promotes secretory changes in the mucosa of the uterine tubes, thereby helping to provide nutrition for the fertilized ovum as it travels through the tube on its way to the uterus.

Another function of progesterone is promotion of the development of the mammary glands in preparation for lactation. Prolactin, from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, stimulates production of the milk, and progesterone prepares the glands for secretion.

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progesterone assay

the estimation of progesterone in milk is used as a pregnancy test.

progesterone-induced lactation

see lactation induction.

progesterone milk test

assay of progesterone in milk used as a pregnancy test.

progesterone plasma test

the original pregnancy test which survives as the milk progesterone test; used in dogs as a guide in predicting the time of ovulation.

progesterone releasing intravaginal device

used as a means of synchronizing estrus in cows and sheep as an aid to structured artificial insemination programs. Called also PRID.