Untitled Flashcards Set

Sure! Here are the key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle at the Edexcel GCSE level, along with their functions:

1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

   • Produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.

   • Stimulates the growth and maturation of an egg in the ovary.

   • Causes the ovaries to produce oestrogen.

2. Oestrogen

   • Produced by the ovaries.

   • Stimulates the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for a fertilized egg.

   • Inhibits (stops) FSH production so that only one egg develops.

   • Stimulates the release of Luteinising Hormone (LH).

3. Luteinising Hormone (LH)

   • Produced by the pituitary gland.

   • Causes ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary around day 14).

4. Progesterone

   • Produced by the corpus luteum (the remains of the follicle after ovulation).

   • Maintains the uterus lining for pregnancy.

   • Inhibits both FSH and LH to stop more eggs being released.

   • If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall, leading to menstruation (the shedding of the uterus lining).

Let me know if you need any clarifications! 😊