What is the corpus luteum's role after ovulation?

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Diagram of the menstrual cycle showing hormone levels, follicle development, and endometrial changes across 28 days. It highlights menstruation, ovulation, and the follicular and luteal phases, with labeled curves for estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. — menstruation Cyclical changes during a woman's normal ovulatory menstrual cycle.

Following ovulation, the corpus luteum functions as a hormone-secreting body within the ovary. It produces estrogens and progesterone.1

The primary role of progesterone is to induce changes in the uterus to prepare it for the implantation of a fertilized ovum and to support the nourishment of the embryo. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum becomes inactive after approximately 10 to 14 days, which leads to the onset of menstruation.1