menstrual cycle

• What are the four key hormones that control the menstrual cycle?

  FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone
• What is the primary purpose of the menstrual cycle?

  To prepare the body for potential pregnancy
• Where is FSH released from?

  The pituitary gland
• What does FSH stimulate in the ovaries?

  The development of several follicles
• What happens to the follicles during the menstrual cycle?


  Usually, only one follicle fully matures
• What is the effect of low FSH levels on ovarian follicle development?


  Fewer follicles develop and mature
• What hormone is produced by the ovaries that affects the uterine lining?

  Oestrogen
• How does oestrogen affect the uterine lining?


  It thickens and grows the lining
• What triggers the LH surge during the menstrual cycle?

  A high level of oestrogen
• What is the role of LH in the menstrual cycle?


  To stimulate ovulation
• What occurs during the LH surge?

  The dominant follicle ruptures, releasing the egg
• What does LH convert the remaining follicle into after ovulation?

  The corpus luteum
• What hormone does the corpus luteum produce?

  Progesterone
• What happens to progesterone levels if pregnancy does not occur?

  Progesterone drops and the uterine lining is shed
• What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

  To maintain the uterine lining
• If a woman has low progesterone levels two weeks after ovulation, what is likely to happen?

  She would shed the uterine lining, resulting in menstruation
• What specific change occurs to the uterine lining if progesterone levels drop?

  The uterine lining is shed
• What happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur?

  It degenerates, leading to decreased progesterone.
• What is the consequence of low progesterone levels two weeks after ovulation?

  She would start to shed her uterine lining.
• What are the feedback mechanisms between hormones in the menstrual cycle?

  1. FSH stimulates follicles to grow, producing oestrogen.
  2. Rising oestrogen inhibits FSH and stimulates LH.
  3. LH surge triggers ovulation.
  4. Corpus luteum secretes progesterone, inhibiting FSH and LH.
  5. When progesterone falls, FSH rises to start a new cycle.
• What happens to FSH and LH levels when progesterone is high?


  Both FSH and LH levels would decrease.
• Which hormone is at its highest level during the luteal phase?

  Progesterone
• What role does hCG play during pregnancy?

  It maintains the corpus luteum to produce progesterone.
• What is the typical duration of the menstrual cycle?

  28 days
• What are the main events involved in the menstrual cycle?

  • Shedding of uterus lining (menstruation)
  • Repair of uterus lining
  • Release of an egg (ovulation)
  • Maintenance of uterus lining
• What are the days of menstruation in the menstrual cycle?

  Days 1-4
• What happens to the uterus lining from days 4-14?

  It thickens and blood vessels grow
• On which day does ovulation occur?

  Day 14
• What occurs from days 14-28 in the menstrual cycle?

  The uterus lining is maintained
• Name one hormone that controls the menstrual cycle.

  Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• How many hormones control the menstrual cycle?

  Four
• What are the four hormones that control the menstrual cycle?

  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Oestrogen
  • Luteinising hormone (LH)
  • Progesterone
• What is the role of FSH in the menstrual cycle?

  Triggers development of a follicle in ovaries
• Where is FSH secreted from?

  The pituitary gland
• What does oestrogen do in the menstrual cycle?

  Repairs and thickens the uterus lining
• What hormone does oestrogen inhibit?

  FSH
• What triggers ovulation?

  A surge in LH
• What does the corpus luteum secrete?

  Progesterone
• What is a corpus luteum?

  A temporary endocrine structure
• What happens to progesterone levels if no implantation occurs?

  Progesterone levels decrease