Progesterone has three main functions. Which statement best describes one of these functions?

Progesterone has three main functions. Which statement best describes one of these functions?

• A. Stimulates ovulation
• B. Maintains pregnancy and endometrium, and provides negative feedback on gonadotropins
• C. Breaks down fats
• D. Stimulates milk production

Answer: (B)

Progesterone’s key role is to prepare and maintain the uterine lining for pregnancy and to support pregnancy itself. After ovulation, progesterone from the corpus luteum thickens and stabilizes the endometrium, enabling implantation and supporting decidualization. It also helps keep the uterus relaxed to prevent contractions during pregnancy. In addition, progesterone provides negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary, lowering GnRH, FSH, and LH release, which helps prevent another ovulation while pregnancy is ongoing. This combination of maintaining the endometrium, supporting pregnancy, and regulating hormone release explains why this statement is the best description of progesterone’s functions. Other options don’t fit: ovulation is driven by estrogen and LH surge, not progesterone; fat breakdown isn’t a primary role of progesterone; and milk production is controlled by prolactin, with progesterone actually inhibiting lactation during pregnancy.

Progesterone’s key role is to prepare and maintain the uterine lining for pregnancy and to support pregnancy itself. After ovulation, progesterone from the corpus luteum thickens and stabilizes the endometrium, enabling implantation and supporting decidualization. It also helps keep the uterus relaxed to prevent contractions during pregnancy. In addition, progesterone provides negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary, lowering GnRH, FSH, and LH release, which helps prevent another ovulation while pregnancy is ongoing. This combination of maintaining the endometrium, supporting pregnancy, and regulating hormone release explains why this statement is the best description of progesterone’s functions.

Other options don’t fit: ovulation is driven by estrogen and LH surge, not progesterone; fat breakdown isn’t a primary role of progesterone; and milk production is controlled by prolactin, with progesterone actually inhibiting lactation during pregnancy.