Question

Menstruation is caused by_______.

• A. increase in the levels of FSH
• B. fall in oxytocin level
• C. fall in progesterone level
• D. increase in estrogen level

Answer 1

The correct option is C fall in progesterone level

Menstruation is the discharge of blood and mucosal tissues through vagina due to the shedding of the uterine endometrium. This is also called periods.
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for maintaining the uterine endometrium. Corpus luteum produces progesterone.

An abrupt fall in the amount of progesterone occurs due to the degeneration of corpus luteum in the absence of fertilisation. This leads to menstruation.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), oxytocin and estrogen do not directly affect the bleeding phase.