Question

Select the correct option describing hormonal activity in a normal pregnant female

• A. High level of hCG stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone
  
• B. High level of FSH and LH facilitate implantation of the embryo
  
• C. High level of FSH and LH stimulate the thickening of endometrium
  
• D. High level of hCG stimulates the thickening of endometrium
  

Answer 1

The correct option is A High level of hCG stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone


Pregnancy
The gestation period or pregnancy refers to the time from conception to birth. It is about 9 months +/- 7 days or 265 days.

Levels of FSH and LH in pregnancy
Pregnant females have high levels of estrogen and progesterone secreted by the placenta which inhibits the release of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone) from the anterior lobes of the pituitary by negative feedback mechanisms. Therefore they have less amount of FSH and LH.

Role of hCG in pregnancy
In a normal pregnant female, the placenta produces hCG (human chorionic gonadotropins) that stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone by the corpus luteum till the 7th week of gestation. After this, the synthesis of progesterone and estrogen is taken on by the placenta.

Role of progesterone in pregnancy
Pregnant females have high levels of estrogen and progesterone secreted by the placenta. This maintains the thickness of the endometrium for pregnancy.

Final answer

c. High level of hCG stimulates the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone