Question

Explain the role of hormones during the menstrual cycle.

Answer 1

The menstrual cycle is a series of cyclic physiological changes that take place in the female primates. It is regulated by the various hormones like FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone. The follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the development of follicles which secretes estrogen. The rise in the level of estrogen stimulates the thickening of the endometrium in the uterus. LH is secreted by the pituitary gland which causes ovulation. The rise in LH level is followed by the rise in the progesterone which is responsible for developing the follicles into corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone which is necessary for the maintenance of the uterus lining for implantation. The rise in progesterone and estrogen results in the decrease of FSH and LH. If there is no pregnancy, then the level of progesterone and estrogen decreases which results in the breaking of the endometrium i.e., menstrual flow. After the start of menstruation, the level of FSH and LH rises to start the new cycle.