Which hormone maintains progesterone and estrogen secretion by the corpus luteum through the first trimester of pregnancy ?

Options

A. LH
B. FSH
C. hCG
D. GnRH

Answer

To determine which hormone maintains progesterone and estrogen secretion by the corpus luteum during the first trimester of pregnancy, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Role of the Corpus Luteum**:
- The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure involved in the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. It produces hormones, primarily progesterone and estrogen, which are crucial for maintaining pregnancy.

**Hint**: Remember that the corpus luteum is formed after ovulation and is essential for hormone production in early pregnancy.

2. **Identify the Hormones Involved**:
- The main hormones mentioned in the question are luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and gonadotropin hormone.

**Hint**: Review the functions of each hormone to see which one is specifically involved in maintaining the corpus luteum.

3. **Focus on Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)**:
- hCG is produced by the trophoblast cells of the developing embryo shortly after fertilization. Its primary role is to signal the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone and estrogen, preventing its degeneration.

**Hint**: hCG is often referred to as the pregnancy hormone; think about its role in early pregnancy.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since hCG is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum and ensuring the continued secretion of progesterone and estrogen during the first trimester, it is the correct answer.

**Final Answer**: The hormone that maintains progesterone and estrogen secretion by the corpus luteum through the first trimester of pregnancy is **human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)**.