relaxin
noun
re·lax·in
ri-ˈlak-sən 
: a sex hormone of the corpus luteum that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments
Examples of relaxin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation The human placenta contains protein, fiber, amino acids, and other nutrients and minerals, as well as hormones like oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin.
—
Christina Montoya Fiedler, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025
Many people will experience hypermobility in their joints during pregnancy as well due to the hormone relaxin.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024
As your pregnancy progresses, your body produces more of the hormone relaxin which allows your ligaments to stretch during pregnancy and childbirth.2
However, the extra relaxin also causes your posture and center of gravity to shift.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024
Injuries can influence this process, as can being pregnant—a hormone called relaxin makes your ligaments more elastic to allow for childbirth, and the resulting changes in your feet can be permanent (Dr. Canzanese herself went up from a 10.5 regular to an 11 wide after having kids).
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 12 Sep. 2023
That’s because at six weeks, your joints, including your knees and hips, are still feeling the effects of the hormone relaxin, which is produced during pregnancy.
—Tiffany Ayuda, SELF, 6 Oct. 2022
From an athlete’s perspective, an important hormone of note is relaxin, which is produced by the ovaries and the placenta.
—Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021
And because relaxin continues to have a strong presence throughout breastfeeding, loose ligaments can persist long after childbirth.
—Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021
But like most hormones, relaxin circulates in the blood and can affect all ligaments, not just those associated with pregnancy.
—Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021
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Christina Montoya Fiedler, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025
Many people will experience hypermobility in their joints during pregnancy as well due to the hormone relaxin.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024
As your pregnancy progresses, your body produces more of the hormone relaxin which allows your ligaments to stretch during pregnancy and childbirth.2
However, the extra relaxin also causes your posture and center of gravity to shift.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024
Injuries can influence this process, as can being pregnant—a hormone called relaxin makes your ligaments more elastic to allow for childbirth, and the resulting changes in your feet can be permanent (Dr. Canzanese herself went up from a 10.5 regular to an 11 wide after having kids).
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 12 Sep. 2023
That’s because at six weeks, your joints, including your knees and hips, are still feeling the effects of the hormone relaxin, which is produced during pregnancy.
—Tiffany Ayuda, SELF, 6 Oct. 2022
From an athlete’s perspective, an important hormone of note is relaxin, which is produced by the ovaries and the placenta.
—Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021
And because relaxin continues to have a strong presence throughout breastfeeding, loose ligaments can persist long after childbirth.
—Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021
But like most hormones, relaxin circulates in the blood and can affect all ligaments, not just those associated with pregnancy.
—Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021
Dictionary Entries Near relaxin
Cite this Entry
“Relaxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relaxin. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
relaxin
noun
re·lax·in
ri-ˈlak-sən
: a polypeptide sex hormone of the corpus luteum that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments
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