If you were looking for questions about your fertility and endocrine health, you most likely have come across Corpus luteum, or Corpus luteum. However, what role does this tiny body structure play, and how important is Corpus luteum for a regular menstrual cycle and pregnancy? The most significant ovary structure to develop after ovulation is one of the most significant, i.e., the Corpus luteum, which directly plays a role in the control of female hormones. Without such a formation, pregnancy would not be possible, and even menstrual balance would be lost. Here in this article, we are going to discuss in detail how the Corpus luteum develops, what function it serves to the body, and why exactly we should especially pay heed to its working.
How is Corpus luteum developed?
For gaining some knowledge regarding the functionality of the Corpus luteum, let’s first know the development of the structure. Corpus luteum development is classified into the following steps:
1- Ovulation
Each month one of the ovarian follicles ripens and sheds eggs.
2- Conversion of Corpus luteum from follicle
After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg transforms into the Corpus luteum. This change occurs under the influence of the hormones LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).
3- Secretion of critical hormones
Once it is established, Corpus luteum begins to secrete progesterone and traces of estrogen, both of which are essential for pregnancy as well as menstrual cycle maintenance.
4- Fate of Corpus luteum
During pregnancy, this structure is maintained until weeks of pregnancy. But during non-pregnancy, it will degenerate within 10 to 14 days and cause a drop in progesterone and the beginning of menstruation.
The function of Corpus luteum in the body
The role of Corpus luteum in the body is greater than temporary structure. The tiny portion of the ovary plays significant roles towards hormonal balance and fertility:
1- Synthesis of progesterone
The most critical role of Corpus luteum is the synthesis of the hormone progesterone which is needed to prepare the uterine lining for implantation of the fertilized ovum.
2- Maintenance of pregnancy at the initial stage
Once pregnancy has been established, Corpus luteum secretes progesterone and prevents miscarriage until development of the placenta (around the 12th week of pregnancy).
3- Control of the menstrual cycle
During non-pregnancy, regression of the Corpus luteum results in a fall in progesterone and onset of menstruation.
4- Effect on other organs
Apart from the uterus, Corpus luteum produced progesterone also affects the nervous system, breasts, even mood, and plays a significant role in stress reduction and making control of sleep simpler.
The Corpus Luteum Destitution: Eternity or Decompensation?
The fate of the Corpus luteum depends on whether there is or not pregnancy. The growth of the structure is post-ovulatory but hormone-dependent as far as the duration is concerned. We will now observe under what circumstances the Corpus luteum persists or degenerates.
1- In pregnancy: Corpus luteum is preserved
Once the egg gets fertilized and pregnancy takes hold, the body holds Corpus luteum in tact for the function of providing maximum comfort. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) produced by the developing fetus inhibits this structure from degeneration. Corpus luteum in pregnancy:
- Maintenance of progesterone secretion for the function of sealing the uterine wall and preventing abortion
- Maintenance of hormonal balance until the production of hormones by the placenta begins (Around 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy)
2- If pregnancy does not occur: the Corpus luteum degenerates
If the egg is not fertilized, degeneration of Corpus luteum is triggered about 10-14 days after ovulation. By this process, progesterone and the estrogen hormone decrease resulting in bleeding due to the menstruation. Processes involved in degeneration of Corpus luteum
- Gradual dwindling of progesterone as well as the estrogen hormone
- Corpus luteum atrophies and is replaced by a scar tissue known as Corpus albicans which is too minute
- Progesterone falls and a new menstrual cycle starts
Thus, Corpus luteum’s fate is sealed on the basis of hormones, and the organ involutes itself if it doesn’t get proper signals (such as hCG).
Corpus luteum issues
The Corpus luteum works perfectly without a fault, yet it is subject sometimes to diseases whose impact reaches to fertility and menstruation functions. The key problems arising as a result of this structure are:
1- Corpus luteum cyst
Sometimes Corpus luteum may get filled with fluid and grows as an active cyst rather than undergoing regression. The cyst normally has no fault in being benign but sometimes presents itself as being painful or developing endocrine features.
Symptoms of Corpus luteum cyst:
- One-sided pain in the lower abdomen
- Stoppage or alteration of flow during menstruation
- In rare cases, the cyst may rupture and cause severe pain
Treatment:
- Within two weeks of growth, the majority of cysts resolve themselves.
- Your physician may prescribe some hormones such as birth control pills for certain types.
- When cyst ruptured or pain is excruciating, laparoscopy will need to be performed.
2- Luteal Phase Deficiency (LPD)
In this state, the Corpus luteum does not secrete adequate progesterone, and it leads to infertility problems.
Symptoms of luteal Deficiency:
- Reduced menstrual cycles (shorter than 24 days)
- Menstrual spotting
- Recurrent miscarriages or implantation problems
Causes:
- hormonal imbalance (deficiency of LH or FSH)
- Severe stress
- PCOS
- High prolactin or thyroid disease
Treatment:
- Prescribing progesterone supplements to enhance the luteal phase
- lifestyle modification and adjustment of stress
- Treating related hormonal problems
3- Corpus luteum effect on infertility
Any defect in the Corpus luteum, especially in the production of progesterone, can interfere with implantation of the fertilized ovum. Therefore, women with luteal dysfunction or habitual cysts can experience habitual miscarriage or infertility.
- Therapeutic interventions to enhance the effectiveness of the Corpus luteum to optimize pregnancy potential:
- Eating food items rich in vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium
- Maintenance of a healthy body weight and stress reduction
- Management of thyroid and hormonal disorders
Corpus Luteum and Fertility: Is It Possible to Strengthen It?
Corpus luteum is also one of the most significant factors to keep hormonal balance intact and support pregnancy. Corpus luteum creates a temporary body that makes the uterus ready to store the implanted egg by secreting progesterone. But if its job is not strong, issues like miscarriage during early phases or lack of fertility are faced. But fortunately, the job of Corpus luteum can be made strong through some medicinal and natural means.
1- The role of nutrition in strengthening the Corpus luteum
- Food for vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 keeps the hormones in equilibrium and is supportive of increasing levels of progesterone. Such food is abundant with this vitamin:
- Banana
- Spinach
- Salmon
- Nuts and seeds
- Increase zinc and magnesium intake
These two minerals are of highly vital advantage to Corpus luteum’s functionality as well as the health of the ovaries. These are extracted from:
- Avocado
- Whole grains
- Dark Chocolate
- Pumpkin and sunflower seeds
- Omega-3s and healthy fats
Healthy fats such as omega-3 enhance progesterone’s efficiency and benefit the Corpus luteum. Sources are:
- Olive oil
- Chia and flax seeds
- Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna
2- Stress management and lifestyle change
- Stress Management with Relaxation Techniques
Stress hormone (cortisol) may be one of the reasons for a decline in production of progesterone. In order to decrease stress:
- Regular yoga and meditation routine.
- Light exercise, i.e., walking, swimming.
- Get enough sleep (7 to 8 hours).
- Maintain a balanced weight
Underweight and overweight status will impair Corpus luteum and ovary functioning. Nutrition and exercise maintain hormones healthy.
3- Medical therapy for enhancing Corpus luteum functioning
- Progesterone Supplements intake
If progesterone deficiency is the cause of luteal insufficiency, your physician may prescribe progesterone supplements. They are available in tablet, gel, or vaginal suppositories.
- Ovulation-stimulating drugs
There are instances when drugs like clomiphene citrate (Clomid) are administered to induce ovulation and increase Corpus luteum. Such drugs are administered under medical supervision.
- Treatment of thyroid disorder or hyperprolactinemia
Hyperprolactinemia or hypothyroidism can impair Corpus luteum function. It can be treated with the use of hormonal testing and therapy.
Final Thought
If you try to get pregnant or if you have an irregular menstrual cycle, do not fret over it! By following these tips and a checkup with the gynecologist, you can optimize your hormonal health and get fertile. Your body is a wonderful wonder of self-regulation power, and you just need to provide useful conditions so that it can function better.
Resources
The human corpus luteum: life cycle and function in natural cycles
Mechanisms controlling the function and life span of the corpus luteum
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