Question

Correct sequence of hormone secretion from the beginning of menstruation is

• A. FSH, progesterone, estrogen
• B. Estrogen, FSH, progesterone
• C. FSH, estrogen, progesterone
• D. Estrogen, progesterone, FSH

Answer 1

The correct option is C

FSH, estrogen, progesterone

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland. This is the main hormone involved in stimulating ovaries to produce mature eggs. The FSH stimulates a number of follicles to develop and start to produce the hormone estrogen. The level of estrogen in female body keeps increasing as the follicles grow and it eventually causes a rapid rise in luteinising hormone, known as the ‘LH surge’. This LH surge causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release the mature egg from the ovary, from where it enters the fallopian tube. This process is known as ovulation. After ovulation, the follicle starts producing another hormone - progesterone. Progesterone causes further build-up of the lining of the womb in preparation for a fertilised egg. Meanwhile, the empty follicle within the ovary starts to shrink, but carries on producing progesterone, and also starts to produce estrogen.