Question

Which of the following hormones of the pituitary gland regulates the menstrual cycle?

Options

A
Follicle Stimulating hormone and Estrogen
B
Luteinizing hormone and Estrogen
C
Follicle Stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormone
D
Estrogen and Progesterone

Explanation

Four hormones are primarily active in the menstrual cycle namely;

FSH: Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries.

LH: Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It also triggers the release of an egg from the ovary in the process known as 'ovulation'.

(Option C is therefore correct since both; FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland)

Estrogen: The ovaries, which produce the eggs, are the main source of estrogen from your body. In females, it helps to develop and maintain both the reproductive system and female characteristics, such as the breasts and pubic hair. Estrogen causes the uterine lining to grow and thicken to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

Progesterone: The corpus luteum in the ovaries, and the placenta, after the embedding of the zygote in the uterus lining, tend to release progesterone. The hormone prepares the endometrium lining to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. The decrease in progesterone triggers menstruation or shedding of the lining. Once the lining is completely shed, a new menstrual cycle begins.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is released by the pituitary gland and plays a role in the development of ovarian follicles. Estrogen is produced by developing follicles in the ovaries. While both FSH and estrogen are involved in the menstrual cycle, they don't regulate it directly.

FSH and LH are both crucial hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, and LH triggers ovulation. The interplay between FSH and LH, along with other hormonal changes, governs the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen and progesterone are ovarian hormones that play essential roles in the menstrual cycle. While they are important for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the maintenance of the uterine lining, they are not hormones directly released by the pituitary gland.