The corpus luteum, formed from the empty ovarian follicle after ovulation, begins to produce progesterone and estrogen. However, if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates after 11-14 days, so progesterone and estrogen levels drop and menstruation is triggered.
On the other hand, if the woman becomes pregnant, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) produced by the embryo causes the corpus luteum to be maintained and, therefore, progesterone levels will remain elevated.
Read the full article on: What is the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and how long does it last? ( 58).
By Antonio Forgiarini M.D., M.Sc. (gynecologist) and Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).
Last Update: 03/27/2024
