Abstract
Ovulation, followed by the transformation of the follicle into the corpus luteum, marks the beginning of the luteal phase. Luteal progesterone transforms the endometrium and enables the implantation of the embryo or, if pregnancy does not occur, its regulated shedding. The function of the corpus luteum and its maintenance is controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH), and, if pregnancy occurs, by the trophoblastic human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG. The function of the corpus luteum, the luteolysis and its maintenance at the onset of pregnancy require a sensitive interaction between pituitary gonadotropin secretion, LH/hCG induced steroid hormone synthesis, and the expression of luteotropic and luteolytic factors. A disturbance of this interaction leads to an insufficient luteal function with a reduction in the chance of pregnancy.
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von Wolff, M. (2022). Luteal Phase. In: von Wolff, M. (eds) Natural Cycle and Minimal Stimulation IVF . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-97571-5_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-97571-5_8
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