Which hormone is released by the corpus luteum to prepare the uterus for pregnancy?

The hormone released by the corpus luteum that prepares the uterus for pregnancy is progesterone. Following ovulation, the corpus luteum forms from the remnants of the egg follicle and begins secreting progesterone, which plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and in the maintenance of early pregnancy.

Progesterone prepares the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. It thickens the uterine lining and maintains it, preventing further ovulation during pregnancy. This hormone is essential for creating a suitable environment for the implantation of a fertilized egg and supporting early pregnancy.

Other hormones like estrogen do play roles in the reproductive cycle, but they do not have the same direct effect on preparing the uterus for early pregnancy as progesterone does. Luteinizing hormone is primarily involved in triggering ovulation, and testosterone, while important for male reproductive health, does not have a significant role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy in females.