Final answer:
The corpus luteum produces more progesterone than estrogen because progesterone is crucial for maintaining and preparing the endometrium for potential pregnancy. It also inhibits GnRH, LH, and FSH to prevent further egg release. Estrogen supports endometrium development but is secondary to progesterone's role during the menstrual cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The corpus luteum is a temporary glandular structure in the ovary that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and early stages of pregnancy. It secretes both estradiol (a form of estrogen) and progesterone. However, the production of progesterone is higher than that of estrogen because progesterone is the main hormone responsible for preparing and maintaining the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) for a potential pregnancy. Progesterone also inhibits the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus and luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland, which is part of the feedback mechanism to prevent the release of further eggs during the menstrual cycle. The rise in the level of estrogen from the corpus luteum contributes to the endometrium development but is secondary to the importance of progesterone in maintaining the uterine lining.
Both hormones also play a part in blocking GnRH production by the hypothalamus and LH and FSH production by the pituitary, further stabilizing conditions within the uterus. When the corpus luteum degrades, if there is no pregnancy, the decline in progesterone leads to the sloughing of the endometrium, resulting in menstruation.