Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

2.1K
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle...
2.1K
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

4.0K
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
4.0K
Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

64.7K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
64.7K
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

773
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
773
Ovaries01:26

Ovaries

1.4K
The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.
On the ovarian surface, a layer of...
1.4K
Secretory Phase01:19

Secretory Phase

1.4K
The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
1.4K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Estrus monitoring in giant pandas revisited: The importance of assay selection.

Animal reproduction science·2026
Same author

An ovine model shows that subcutaneous adipose tissue fibrosis occurs early in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Journal of molecular endocrinology·2025
Same author

Society for Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation of Androgen Excess in Women.

Clinical endocrinology·2025
Same author

Insights into the effects of sex and tissue location on the evolution of adipocyte dysfunction in an ovine model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Molecular and cellular endocrinology·2024
Same author

Development of an acute ovine model of polycystic ovaries to assess the effect of ovarian denervation.

Frontiers in endocrinology·2023
Same author

Recent advances in the understanding of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Faculty reviews·2023
Same journal

Exploring Emerging Concepts in the Pathophysiology of PCOS: Microbiome Dysbiosis and Immunological Dysregulation.

Reproduction & fertility·2026
Same journal

Influence of sire fertility on the metabolism of in vitro produced embryos.

Reproduction & fertility·2026
Same journal

Trophoblast stem cells and syncytiotrophoblasts lack inflammatory responses to LPS but retain robust interferon-mediated antiviral immunity.

Reproduction & fertility·2026
Same journal

Late-Stage Vacuolization as a Compaction-Dependent Prognostic Marker for Day-4 Embryo Selection.

Reproduction & fertility·2026
Same journal

Peripheral cytokines as candidate biomarkers for recurrent pregnancy loss.

Reproduction & fertility·2026
Same journal

Hydrosalpinx perturbs the tubal and endometrial immune environment.

Reproduction & fertility·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Surgical Methods and Outcomes in Oviductal Cloned Pig Embryo Transfers
05:41

Author Spotlight: Surgical Methods and Outcomes in Oviductal Cloned Pig Embryo Transfers

Published on: October 18, 2024

1.1K

The inadequate corpus luteum.

W Colin Duncan1

  • 1MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.

Reproduction & Fertility
|February 7, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The corpus luteum (CL) produces progesterone crucial for fertility and pregnancy maintenance. While progesterone supplementation aids fertility treatments and early pregnancy, its use should be guided by evidence to avoid potential risks.

Keywords:
infertilityluteal phase defectluteal supportmiscarriageprogesterone

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanisms and Inducing Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
04:49

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanisms and Inducing Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Published on: July 5, 2024

1.3K
Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
06:49

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model

Published on: April 7, 2023

1.8K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Surgical Methods and Outcomes in Oviductal Cloned Pig Embryo Transfers
05:41

Author Spotlight: Surgical Methods and Outcomes in Oviductal Cloned Pig Embryo Transfers

Published on: October 18, 2024

1.1K
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanisms and Inducing Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
04:49

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanisms and Inducing Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Published on: July 5, 2024

1.3K
Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
06:49

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model

Published on: April 7, 2023

1.8K

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

  • The corpus luteum (CL) is essential for progesterone production during the luteal phase and early pregnancy.
  • Adequate luteal function is critical for successful conception and maintaining a pregnancy.
  • Progesterone administration is increasingly utilized in assisted reproductive technologies and early pregnancy management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the concept of inadequate corpus luteum function.
  • To review the role and effects of exogenous progesterone administration.
  • To discuss the evidence-based indications for progesterone supplementation in fertility and pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Commentary and review of existing literature on corpus luteum function and progesterone therapy.
  • Analysis of progesterone's role in natural conception, assisted reproduction, and pregnancy maintenance.
  • Examination of evidence for progesterone use in cases of miscarriage and early pregnancy bleeding.

Main Results:

  • Progesterone supplementation demonstrates significant benefits in specific clinical scenarios, such as IVF cycles.
  • Evidence for corpus luteum dysfunction in recurrent miscarriage is limited.
  • Progesterone may benefit women with early pregnancy bleeding and a history of miscarriage, possibly via effects on the uterus or immune system.

Conclusions:

  • Exogenous progesterone has beneficial effects but should be administered judiciously, adhering to the evidence base.
  • Therapeutic use of progesterone beyond established indications requires careful consideration due to potential long-term effects on offspring.
  • Focusing on underlying causes of infertility, such as egg development and release, is paramount when corpus luteum insufficiency is suspected.