Hormones

FSH

FSH stands for: Follicle stimulating hormone

The gland that produces it: The pituitary gland

Its role: It stimulates the devlopment of the follicles and causes the release of oestrogen from ovaries.

LH

LH stands for: Luteinizing hormone

The gland that produces it: The pituitary gland

Its role: Triggers ovulation (release of the egg) and forms the corpus luteum after ovulation.

Oestrogen

What produces it: Ovaries

Its role: Repairs and thickens the uterus lining; gives feedback to FSH (-) AND LH (+)

coordinates the role of female secondary sexual characteristics

Progestrone

What produces it: Ovaries

Its role: Maintains the thick uterus lining after ovulation; a drop in progestrone causes menstruation

coordinates the development of the female secondary sexual characteristics

Inhibits the production of FSH to prevent further ovulation