Luteal Phase

The luteal phase begins right after ovulation and involves the following processes:

• Once it releases its egg, the empty follicle develops into a new structure called the corpus luteum.
• The corpus luteum secretes the hormone progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg to implant.
• If intercourse has taken place and a man's sperm has fertilized the egg (a process called conception), the fertilized egg (embryo) will travel through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus. The woman is now considered pregnant.
• If the egg is not fertilized, it passes through the uterus. Not needed to support a pregnancy, the lining of the uterus breaks down and sheds, and the next menstrual period begins.

How Many Eggs Does a Woman Have?

During fetal life, there are about 6 million to 7 million eggs in the female ovaries. From this time, no new eggs are produced.

The vast majority of the eggs within the ovaries steadily die, until they are depleted at menopause. At birth, there are approximately 1 million eggs; and by the time of puberty, only about 300,000 remain. Of these, 300 to 400 will be ovulated during a woman's reproductive lifetime. The eggs continue to degenerate during pregnancy, with the use of birth control pills, and in the presence or absence of regular menstrual cycles.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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