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Luteal phase (menstrual cycle)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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  • this occurs after the release of the ovum
  • the follicle forms a corpus luteum and starts to produce progesterone - it also produces androgens and oestrogens
  • the production of progesterone distinguishes the luteal phase from the follicular phase
  • the massive rise in levels of progesterone result in:
    • preparation of the endometrium for implantation
    • suppression in growth of the new follicles past the preantral stage
  • the corpus luteum will regress after 9-11 days unless pregnancy occurs. The production of steroids from the corpus luteum can be maintained (until the ninth or tenth week of gestation) via the production of human chorionic gonadotrophin from the implanting pregnancy. At this stage the production of steroids by the placenta has become well established.

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