Ovulation its lifespan. Without the oocyte, the follicle folds inward on itself, transforming into the corpus luteum (pl. corpora lutea), a steroidogenic cluster of cells that produces estrogen and progesterone. These hormones induce the endometrial glands to begin production of the proliferative endometrium and later into secretory endometrium, the site of embryonic growth if implantation occurs. The action of progesterone increases basal body temperature by one-quarter to one-half degree Celsius (one-half to one degree Fahrenheit). The corpus luteum continues this paracrine action for the remainder of the menstrual cycle, maintaining the endometrium, before disintegrating into scar tissue during menses. The start
Pharmacokinetics of progesterone of the menstrual cycle with LC–MS/MS are 6.7 to 22.2 ng/mL. When the unreliable method of standalone RIA has been used to measure progesterone levels with oral progesterone, far higher peak levels of 6.5 to 10.2 ng/mL, 13.8 to 19.9 ng/mL, and 32.3 to 49.8 ng/mL have been erroneously observed after single 100, 200, and 300 mg doses, respectively. In addition, progesterone levels have been inaccurately measured by RIA as remaining elevated for 12 to 24 hours. Regardless of assay method, peak levels of progesterone following a dose of oral progesterone occur after about 1 to 3 hours. The elimination