The hormone responsible for the menstrual cycle are:
A. Gonadotrophins
B. Estrogen and progesterone
C. Gonadotrophins and estrogen
D. Gonadotrophins, estrogen and progesterone
Correct Answer: D. Gonadotrophins, estrogen and progesterone
Explanation
The hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle are primarily:
1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
• Stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in the ovary.
• Helps prepare the ovum (egg) for release.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Also secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
• Causes ovulation — the release of a mature ovum from the ovary.
• Stimulates formation of the corpus luteum after ovulation.
3. Estrogen
• Mainly produced by growing ovarian follicles.
• Thickens and rebuilds the endometrial lining of the uterus after menstruation.
• Creates fertile cervical mucus and provides feedback to control FSH and LH.
4. Progesterone
• Secreted by the corpus luteum after ovulation.
• Maintains and stabilizes the endometrium for possible implantation.
• Falls sharply if fertilization does not occur, causing menstruation.
Summary of hormonal actions
Phase Major Hormone Main Function
Follicular phase FSH & Estrogen Follicle maturation and endometrium rebuilding
Ovulation LH surge Release of ovum
Luteal phase Progesterone Maintains endometrium
Menstruation ↓ Estrogen & Progesterone Shedding of uterine lining
Conclusion
The menstrual cycle is regulated by FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone, with assistance from the hypothalamic hormone GnRH.
Other Options Details
Here is the explanation of all the options:
A. Gonadotrophins
Gonadotrophins are hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that regulate the reproductive system.
The two main gonadotrophins are:
• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Helps in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles in females and stimulates spermatogenesis in males.
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.
• Function: They control the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and reproductive processes.
B. Estrogen and Progesterone
These are the primary female sex hormones produced mainly by the ovaries.
• Estrogen: Responsible for development of female secondary sexual characteristics, growth of endometrium, and regulation of menstrual cycle.
• Progesterone: Maintains the endometrium for implantation, supports pregnancy, and prevents uterine contractions.
• Function: They regulate the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and reproductive tissues.
C. Gonadotrophins and Estrogen
This option includes a combination of pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) and ovarian hormone (estrogen).
Function together:
• FSH and LH stimulate follicle growth and ovulation.
• Estrogen thickens the endometrial lining and provides feedback control for FSH & LH secretion.
D. Gonadotrophins, Estrogen and Progesterone
This includes all major reproductive hormones involved in the menstrual cycle:
• FSH & LH (from pituitary gland)
• Estrogen & Progesterone (from ovaries)
Function together:
• Regulate follicle development, ovulation, and menstrual cycle.
• Maintain endometrium for potential pregnancy.
• Provide feedback control to the pituitary gland.
This combination controls the entire reproductive cycle, ovulation, menstruation, and pregnancy.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)