Yellow endocrine structure formed during the third phase of the menstrual cycle (Luteal Phase) which lasts for 10-14 days unless a pregnancy occurs. It produces high volume of progesterone and moderate levels of estrogen (estradiol). If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum begins to produce hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin.) This hormone stimulates the corpus luteum, preventing it from dying in early pregnancy. The corpus luteum produces estrogen and progesterone in the early part of the pregnancy, and is therefore vital for maintaining that pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum regresses, the levels of progesterone and estrogen recede, and the breakdown of the endometrium causes menstrual bleeding.
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