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Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Interactions

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Nadiya Islam

10/12/2025

Biology

The menstrual cycle

251

10 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Interactions

user profile picture

Nadiya Islam

@nadiyaaa

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process that prepares your... Show more

Roles
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
- Describe the roles of hormones in human reproduction, including the hormones
involved in the menstrual cycle
-De

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.

Roles
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
- Describe the roles of hormones in human reproduction, including the hormones
involved in the menstrual cycle
-De

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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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

251

10 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Interactions

user profile picture

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.

Roles
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
- Describe the roles of hormones in human reproduction, including the hormones
involved in the menstrual cycle
-De

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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.

Roles
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
- Describe the roles of hormones in human reproduction, including the hormones
involved in the menstrual cycle
-De

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user