Hormonal Interactions in the Menstrual Cycle Flashcards

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Where are FSH and LH made, and where are oestrogen and progesterone made?

FSH and LH are made in the pituitary gland in the brain. Oestrogen and progesterone are made in the ovaries.

What does FSH do at the start of the menstrual cycle?

FSH makes an egg mature in an ovary and causes the ovary to release oestrogen.

How does oestrogen affect the uterus lining?

Oestrogen makes the lining of the uterus grow thicker and full of blood.

How does a rising oestrogen level affect FSH release?

A high level of oestrogen inhibits, or slows down, the release of FSH from the pituitary gland.

How does oestrogen affect LH release?

A high level of oestrogen causes a surge, or big increase, in LH release from the pituitary gland.

What event in the menstrual cycle is triggered by the LH surge?

The LH surge triggers ovulation, which is when a mature egg is released from the ovary.

What does progesterone do in the menstrual cycle?

Progesterone keeps the uterus lining thick and inhibits the release of FSH and LH.

Why do FSH and LH levels stay low for most of the second half of the cycle?

FSH and LH stay low because progesterone from the ovary inhibits their release from the pituitary gland.

What happens to progesterone levels if no fertilisation happens, and what does this cause?

If no fertilisation happens, progesterone levels fall and the thick uterus lining breaks down and is lost as a period.

What is negative feedback in the menstrual cycle, using FSH and oestrogen as an example?

Negative feedback is when one hormone reduces the release of another. For example, oestrogen reduces FSH release from the pituitary gland.