What
does the corpus luteum do?
The corpus
luteum produces progesterone. Progesterone
makes the lining of the uterus thick for implantation and
is necessary to sustain a healthy pregnancy. The corpus luteum
produces progesterone until the placenta begins to take over
progesterone production around ten weeks gestation.
How long
does the corpus luteum survive?
After
a woman ovulates, the corpus luteum only lasts for about 12-14
days unless it begins receiving HCG
(human chorionic gonadotropin) from a developing embryo. If
the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum dies and progesterone
production stops. When progesterone levels drop, the uterus
lining stops thickening and is consequently shed during menstruation.
If the
egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum will begin receiving
HCG from the embryo. HCG tells the corpus luteum to keep producing
progesterone. The corpus luteum lasts for about ten weeks
after ovulation. After ten weeks the placenta takes over progesterone
production through the end of pregnancy.
What
is corpus luteum deficiency?
Corpus
luteum deficiency, also known as corpus
luteum defect, means that the corpus luteum does
not produce enough progesterone to allow a pregnancy to develop.
Without sufficient progesterone levels, the lining of the
uterus will begin to shed. If a woman is pregnant and has
low progesterone levels this may result in miscarriage.