If fertilization occurs and foetus is implanted in the endometrium, the trophoblast cells of the developing placenta secrete a hormone human Chorionic Gonadotrophic (hCG). This hormone like LH maintains the corpus luteum and the secretion of progesterone and estradiol by it. These two hormones check the breakdown of the endometrium of the uterus. The absence of menstrual bleeding is the earliest sign of pregnancy.