Menstrual cycle

• What is the endocrine system responsible for?

  Releasing hormones into the bloodstream
• What hormone do the testes produce?

  Testosterone
• What does testosterone stimulate in men?

  Production of sperm
• What hormone do the ovaries produce in women?

  Estrogen
• What happens to eggs in the ovaries after puberty begins?

  They start to mature
• What is ovulation?

  Release of an egg from the ovary
• What occurs to the uterus lining in preparation for ovulation?

  It becomes thick and spongy
• What happens if the egg is fertilized?

  It can implant into the uterus wall
• What happens if the egg is not fertilized?

  Both the egg and uterus lining are released
• What are the four key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?

  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
• What does follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) do?

  Causes an egg to mature in the ovary
• What is the role of luteinizing hormone (LH)?

  Causes the egg to be released
• What is the function of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?

  Maintains the uterus lining
• What does progesterone do in the menstrual cycle?

  Maintains the uterus lining and inhibits FSH/LH
• What happens to FSH and LH levels after ovulation?


  They are inhibited by progesterone
• What occurs if fertilization does not take place?

  Progesterone levels fall, leading to menstruation
• How do FSH and estrogen interact in the menstrual cycle?

  • FSH stimulates egg maturation
  • FSH triggers estrogen production
  • Estrogen inhibits FSH production
• How do LH and progesterone interact in the menstrual cycle?


  • LH triggers ovulation
  • Progesterone inhibits LH production
  • Progesterone maintains the uterus lining
• What is the significance of the 28-day cycle?

  It marks the regular ovulation period
• What happens to the hormone levels during menstruation?

  They fall significantly
• What can you be asked to interpret in exams regarding hormones?

  Graphs of hormone levels during the menstrual cycle
• What is the role of the pituitary gland in hormone release?

  It releases FSH and LH