What role does hCG play in the female reproductive system?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plays a crucial role in pregnancy by maintaining the corpus luteum. After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms from the remnants of the follicle and is responsible for producing progesterone, which is essential for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting early pregnancy. If fertilization occurs, the developing embryo produces hCG shortly after implantation.

hCG acts to prevent the degeneration of the corpus luteum, ensuring that it continues to produce progesterone during the initial stages of pregnancy. This hormone effectively signals to the corpus luteum not to disintegrate, which would otherwise lead to a drop in progesterone levels and the potential loss of the pregnancy.

In contrast, while hCG does not stimulate ovulation, degrade the corpus luteum, or trigger menstruation, its primary function in this context is to sustain the corpus luteum, thereby supporting the early stages of pregnancy.