Progestins
Progestins
Progestins (/proʊˈdʒɛstɪnz/), also known as progestogens or gestagens, are a type of hormone that plays a significant role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are synthetic forms of progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone.
Etymology
The term "progestin" is derived from the word "progesterone," which itself comes from the Latin progestare, meaning "to carry forth." The suffix "-in" is used to denote a substance related to the original.
Function
Progestins are primarily used in hormonal contraception such as birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and contraceptive implants. They work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
Types of Progestins
There are several types of progestins used in hormonal contraceptives. These include:
Each type of progestin has slightly different effects and side effects.
Side Effects
Common side effects of progestins can include:
In rare cases, progestins can cause serious side effects such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
Related Terms
- Hormone
- Progesterone
- Menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal contraception
- Birth control pills
- Intrauterine devices
- Contraceptive implants
- Ovulation
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Progestins
- Wikipedia's article - Progestins
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