Step 1: Recall the cycle:
The menstrual cycle has the menstrual, proliferative (follicular), ovulatory and secretory (luteal) phases.
Step 2: Find the corpus luteum phase:
At ovulation the Graafian follicle ruptures and releases the ovum.
The remaining follicular cells then change into the corpus luteum.
The corpus luteum secretes a large amount of progesterone.
This hormone prepares the endometrium for implantation, and this is the secretory (luteal) phase.
Step 3: Check the wrong options:
Proliferative phase: follicles grow and the endometrium thickens under oestrogen, with no corpus luteum yet.
Menstrual phase: the endometrium breaks down and bleeding occurs.
Ovulatory phase: the ovum is released, but the corpus luteum forms after this event.
Final Answer:
The corpus luteum forms and works in the secretory phase, so the answer is option (A).
\[ \boxed{\text{Secretory phase}} \]