3.9: Understand the Roles of Oestrogen and Progesterone in the Menstrual Cycle

MENSTRUAL CYCLE: Recurring Process in Which the Uterus Lining is Prepared for Pregnancy, and If Pregnancy does Not Occur, the Lining will Shed at Menstruation

HORMONES INVOLVED IN MENSTRUAL CYCLE:

MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Diagram Showing the Levels of Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle

PROCESS: FSH (Follicle - Stimulating Hormone) The Pituitary Gland will Secrete FSH and will cause an Egg to Mature and Develop in the Ovary Stimulates Ovaries to Release the Hormone Oestrogen      2. OESTROGEN Oestrogen is Secreted by the Ovaries and will Stop FSH being Produced (So Only One Egg Matures in a Cycle) Stimulates Pituitary Gland to Release the Hormone LH      3. LH (Luteinizing Hormone) LH will cause the Mature Egg to be Released from the Ovary Stimulate Ovaries to Release the Hormone Progesterone      4. PROGESTERONE Stimulates the Growth of Blood Vessels in the Uterus Lining for Pregnancy If Fertilised Egg Cell is Implanted into the Uterus Lining, Progesterone will Maintain Pregnancy by Keeping Uterus Lining Thick and Rich in Blood Vessels to Cushion the Fertilised Egg Cell