Question

A woman whose pituitary was damaged by disease can have a baby if she is given

• A. Small quantities of FSH and LH each day
• B. Small quantities of FSH and LH each day and one large dose of LH on 15th day
• C. 20 microgram each of estrogen and progesterone each day for 14 days
• D. Small quantity of estrogen everyday for 28 days after ovulation

Answer 1

The correct option is B Small quantities of FSH and LH each day and one large dose of LH on 15th day

Menstrual cycle is necessary for woman fertility. FSH of anterior pituitary gland stimulates growth, development and hormonal secretion of Graafian follicle and ovum maturation. Developing follicles secrete estrogen which in turn causes endometrium thickening during proliferative phase of menstrual cycle. LH is also secreted by anterior pituitary which inhibits secretion of FSH and stimulates maturation of Graafian follicle. Thus, small quantities of FSH and LH are required on each day. LH surge between 12 to 14 days of cycle stimulates rupture of Graafian follicle and release of ovum. This makes option A incorrect as LH surge between 12 to 14 days of cycle is required for ovulation; option B is correct. Ovulation is followed by secretory phase/luteal phase in uterus (day 15-28) and is marked by uterine endometrium thickening, under influence of progesterone as secreted by corpus luteum, to prepare it for implantation. Administration of FSH and LH regulate the secretion of estrogen and progesterone from developing follicles and corpus luteum respectively. This makes options C and D incorrect. Correct answer is B.