The menstrual cycle is a monthly process that prepares your...
Biology268 views·Updated 7 Jul 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Interactions
Nadiya Islam@nadiyaaa
1
of 2
Understanding the Monthly Cycle
Your menstrual cycle runs on roughly a 28-day schedule, though this varies between individuals. Every month, your ovaries release an egg during ovulation, whilst your uterus prepares by thickening its lining to potentially support a fertilised egg.
If the egg isn't fertilised by sperm, both the egg and the thick uterine lining are shed during your period. This entire process is controlled by four crucial hormones working in sequence.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) kicks off the cycle by making eggs mature in your ovaries. Luteinising Hormone (LH) then triggers the release of that mature egg. Meanwhile, oestrogen and progesterone work together to maintain the uterus lining, keeping it ready for a potential pregnancy.
Key Point: Think of these hormones as a relay team - each one passes the baton to trigger the next stage of your cycle.
2
of 2
How Hormones Control the Process
The hormone interaction follows a precise pattern that's brilliant in its complexity. FSH from your pituitary gland travels to your ovaries, causing egg maturation and triggering oestrogen production.
Rising oestrogen levels create a feedback loop - they stop FSH production whilst simultaneously triggering LH release. This LH surge around day 14 causes ovulation, after which your ovary switches to producing progesterone.
Progesterone keeps the uterus lining thick and blocks further FSH and LH release, preventing additional eggs from developing. However, if fertilisation doesn't occur, progesterone levels plummet, causing the uterine lining to shed as your period begins.
Exam Tip: When reading hormone graphs, look for FSH rising first, then oestrogen, followed by the LH peak at ovulation, and finally progesterone's rise and fall.
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Biology268 views·Updated 7 Jul 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Interactions
Nadiya Islam@nadiyaaa
The menstrual cycle is a monthly process that prepares your body for potential pregnancy. Four key hormones work together like a perfectly timed dance to control ovulation, prepare the uterus, and trigger periods when pregnancy doesn't occur.
1
of 2
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Understanding the Monthly Cycle
Your menstrual cycle runs on roughly a 28-day schedule, though this varies between individuals. Every month, your ovaries release an egg during ovulation, whilst your uterus prepares by thickening its lining to potentially support a fertilised egg.
If the egg isn't fertilised by sperm, both the egg and the thick uterine lining are shed during your period. This entire process is controlled by four crucial hormones working in sequence.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) kicks off the cycle by making eggs mature in your ovaries. Luteinising Hormone (LH) then triggers the release of that mature egg. Meanwhile, oestrogen and progesterone work together to maintain the uterus lining, keeping it ready for a potential pregnancy.
Key Point: Think of these hormones as a relay team - each one passes the baton to trigger the next stage of your cycle.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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- Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How Hormones Control the Process
The hormone interaction follows a precise pattern that's brilliant in its complexity. FSH from your pituitary gland travels to your ovaries, causing egg maturation and triggering oestrogen production.
Rising oestrogen levels create a feedback loop - they stop FSH production whilst simultaneously triggering LH release. This LH surge around day 14 causes ovulation, after which your ovary switches to producing progesterone.
Progesterone keeps the uterus lining thick and blocks further FSH and LH release, preventing additional eggs from developing. However, if fertilisation doesn't occur, progesterone levels plummet, causing the uterine lining to shed as your period begins.
Exam Tip: When reading hormone graphs, look for FSH rising first, then oestrogen, followed by the LH peak at ovulation, and finally progesterone's rise and fall.
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