progesterone
/proʊˈdʒɛstəroʊn/
noun
- A hormone produced in the ovaries that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain it.
- During pregnancy, progesterone prevents the uterus from contracting too early.
- Doctors may prescribe progesterone to help women with irregular menstrual cycles.
- Progesterone levels rise after ovulation to support a possible pregnancy.