Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


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7439675 
Journal Article 
The Corpus Luteum and Women’s Health 
Duncan, WC; , 
2017 
Springer International Publishing 
Cham 
The Life Cycle of the Corpus Luteum 
249-275 
The corpus luteum of women is remarkable. The dominant follicle shows high levels of cellular proliferation, and its transition into the corpus luteum involves intense angiogenesis, higher than that seen in the most aggressive solid tumors. The corpus luteum, however, does not undergo malignant change. Its formation and resolution involve acute inflammatory responses and yet these processes are completed with no evidence of scarring. It is the most active endocrine gland in the body with a huge capacity for steroid synthesis, making up to 40 mg progesterone each day, and there are no disorders of clinical function. It has an essential role in human reproduction and the establishment of pregnancy, and yet we still do not fully understand how it works at a molecular level. The corpus luteum is fundamental to women’s health but research into the human corpus luteum is decreasing. However, although increased molecular understanding of the corpus luteum in women may facilitate the development of novel contraceptive paradigms and strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in assisted conception, it is likely that understanding the corpus luteum will provide generic insights into processes that affect the health of men and women throughout and beyond their reproductive years.