Besides progesterone, which hormone is also produced by the corpus luteum to support the endometrium early in pregnancy?

Besides progesterone, which hormone is also produced by the corpus luteum to support the endometrium early in pregnancy?

• A. Progesterone
• B. Estrogen
• C. LH
• D. FSH

Answer: (B)

After ovulation the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones to support the endometrium if pregnancy occurs. While progesterone is the main hormone maintaining the uterine lining, the corpus luteum also produces estrogen (estradiol) in early pregnancy. This estrogen works with progesterone to promote continued thickening, vascularization, and secretory changes of the endometrium, keeping it receptive for implantation and early embryo support. If pregnancy occurs, hCG from the developing embryo keeps the corpus luteum active long enough for ongoing production of both hormones until the placenta can take over. LH and FSH come from the pituitary and regulate ovarian function; they are not produced by the corpus luteum.

After ovulation the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones to support the endometrium if pregnancy occurs. While progesterone is the main hormone maintaining the uterine lining, the corpus luteum also produces estrogen (estradiol) in early pregnancy. This estrogen works with progesterone to promote continued thickening, vascularization, and secretory changes of the endometrium, keeping it receptive for implantation and early embryo support. If pregnancy occurs, hCG from the developing embryo keeps the corpus luteum active long enough for ongoing production of both hormones until the placenta can take over. LH and FSH come from the pituitary and regulate ovarian function; they are not produced by the corpus luteum.