Which of the following are functions of progesterone in the menstrual cycle? Select all that apply.
Promotes endometrial proliferation
Prepares the endometrium for implantation
Inhibits uterine contractions
Triggers ovulation
Increases basal body temperature
Correct Answer : B,C,E
Progesterone in the menstrual cycle Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation during the luteal phase. Its primary role is to prepare the endometrium for implantation. Progesterone maintains the uterine lining, inhibits uterine contractions, and increases basal body temperature. Normal serum progesterone levels vary across the cycle: follicular phase <1 ng/mL, luteal phase 5–20 ng/mL, postmenopausal <0.5 ng/mL. It is also critical in modulating immune tolerance during early pregnancy.
Rationale for correct answers
B. Progesterone converts the endometrium from the proliferative to the secretory phase, enhancing glandular secretion and stromal edema to support implantation.
C. It inhibits myometrial contractions by reducing prostaglandin synthesis and promoting uterine quiescence during the luteal phase, preventing embryo expulsion.
E. Progesterone increases basal body temperature typically by 0.3–0.5°C due to its thermogenic effect on the hypothalamic temperature-regulating center.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Endometrial proliferation occurs during the follicular phase and is mediated primarily by estradiol. Progesterone opposes proliferation and promotes secretory transformation.
D. Ovulation is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), not progesterone. Progesterone secretion rises only after ovulation has occurred.
Take home points
- Progesterone maintains a secretory endometrium essential for embryo implantation.
- It inhibits uterine contractility by downregulating prostaglandins.
- Progesterone elevation correlates with the post-ovulatory rise in body temperature.
- Estradiol governs the proliferative phase; LH surge triggers ovulation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Corpus luteum
The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured Graafian follicle after ovulation. It secretes high levels of progesterone, moderate estrogen, and minimal inhibin A to maintain the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels peak around day 21 of a 28-day cycle and range from 5–20 ng/mL in the mid-luteal phase. Its main role is to stabilize the endometrial lining for potential implantation and to inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH via negative feedback. If fertilization does not occur, it regresses into the corpus albicans, causing a drop in hormones and onset of menstruation.
Rationale for correct answer
B. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone during the luteal phase to maintain the endometrium for possible implantation. It forms after ovulation and is hormonally dependent on LH for function.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Estrogen is secreted mainly by the dominant follicle during the follicular phase, not by the corpus luteum. The follicular phase precedes ovulation, and the corpus luteum forms after ovulation.
C. The ovum is released by the ruptured follicle due to the LH surge, not by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum forms after ovulation and plays no direct role in ovum release.
D. GnRH is secreted by the hypothalamus and regulated by sex steroid feedback. The corpus luteum does not stimulate GnRH; in fact, progesterone from the corpus luteum inhibits it.
Take home points
- The corpus luteum secretes progesterone to maintain the endometrium.
- It forms after ovulation from the ruptured follicle.
- It does not release the ovum; that happens before it forms.
- Its hormones inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH to prevent further ovulation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
hCG is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the trophoblast cells of the developing embryo shortly after implantation, typically detectable in maternal serum by day 8–10 post-ovulation. Its primary role is to rescue the corpus luteum, preventing its degeneration and allowing continued secretion of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones maintain the decidualized endometrium, preventing menstruation and supporting early pregnancy. hCG shares structural similarity with LH and binds to LH receptors on the corpus luteum. Peak serum hCG levels reach 100,000–200,000 mIU/mL by 10 weeks gestation.
Rationale for correct answer
C. hCG prevents luteolysis by acting on LH receptors of the corpus luteum, maintaining its progesterone production. This sustains the endometrial lining for implantation and early embryonic development.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. hCG does not stimulate new follicle development. In fact, high progesterone and estrogen levels maintained by the corpus luteum inhibit FSH, preventing new folliculogenesis during early pregnancy.
B. hCG prevents menstruation by maintaining the corpus luteum and its hormone output. Menstruation is triggered by progesterone withdrawal, which hCG directly prevents.
D. hCG supports the continued production of progesterone, not its inhibition. It ensures the endometrial lining remains intact until the placenta takes over hormone production around week 10–12.
Take home points
- hCG maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy.
- It prevents menstruation by supporting progesterone production.
- hCG mimics LH and binds to LH receptors on luteal cells.
- It does not promote follicle development or suppress progesterone.
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