Which one of the following hormones is essential for maintenance of endometrium?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Progesterone
Option (1) TSH — Incorrect. Thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary acts on the thyroid gland, not on the uterus.
Option (2) Estrogens — Incorrect. Estrogens from the growing follicles rebuild the endometrium after menstruation, in the follicular phase. Keeping it ready for pregnancy is the work of another hormone.
Option (3) Progesterone — Correct. After ovulation, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which keeps the endometrium thick and ready for implantation. When the corpus luteum degenerates and progesterone falls, the endometrium breaks down.
Option (4) Relaxin — Incorrect. Relaxin is secreted by the ovary in the later phase of pregnancy. It does not maintain the endometrium.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 29-05-2026 (Slot 1), in CUET (UG) 2025 on 28-05-2025 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2024 on 19-07-2024 (Slot 1).
NCERT Extract:
Menstrual Cycle – “… The ovulation (ovulatory phase) is followed by the luteal phase during which the remaining parts of the Graafian follicle transform as the corpus luteum (Figure 2.9). The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium. Such an endometrium is necessary for implantation of the fertilised ovum and other events of pregnancy.”
