AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
(HT only) Students should be able to extract and interpret data from…
Full specification wording
Hormones in human reproduction: (HT only) Students should be able to extract and interpret data from graphs showing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Graphs of hormone levels during the menstrual cycle usually plot concentration on the vertical axis against time in days on the horizontal axis, with separate lines for FSH, LH, oestrogen and…
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 10 of 10
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Graphs of hormone levels during the menstrual cycle usually plot concentration on the vertical axis against time in days on the horizontal axis, with separate lines for FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone. To extract data, read values from the axes accurately, including peaks, troughs and the day on which each occurs. To interpret, link each feature to a biological event: the FSH peak early in the cycle corresponds to egg maturation; the oestrogen peak precedes the LH surge; the sharp LH peak coincides with ovulation around the middle of the cycle; and the progesterone peak in the second half maintains the uterus lining. A fall in progesterone and oestrogen near the end corresponds to menstruation. You may also be asked to compare curves, describe trends, or explain why one hormone rises or falls in relation to another.
What earns the marks
- Read values accurately from the axes, including the day and concentration of each peak.
- Identify the order of the peaks: FSH early, then oestrogen, then LH, then progesterone.
- Link the LH peak to ovulation at around the middle of the cycle.
- Link the progesterone peak to maintenance of the uterus lining after ovulation.
- Explain a fall in hormone concentration, such as progesterone falling before menstruation.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Reading the wrong axis or misreading the scale.
Put it right by checking the units and the value of each major gridline before quoting a number.
Assuming all hormones peak at the same time.
Put it right by noting the separate peak days for FSH, oestrogen, LH and progesterone.
Describing the shape of a curve without linking it to a biological event.
Put it right by stating what the change in hormone level causes.
Exam tips
- Quote specific days and values from the graph to support each point you make.
- Use comparative language such as 'higher than' or 'peaks before' when describing two curves.
- Check whether the question asks you to extract data, interpret it, or both, and answer accordingly.
Try the lesson
The start of the Hormones in human reproduction: (HT only) Students should be able to extract and interpret data from graphs showing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student is provided with a graph showing the blood concentration of four hormones during a 28-day menstrual cycle. How should the student use the graph to identify the most likely day of ovulation?
Listen
Graphs of hormone levels during the menstrual cycle usually plot concentration on the vertical axis against time in days on the horizontal axis, with separate lines for FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone. To extract data, read values from the axes accurately, including peaks, troughs and the day on which each occurs. To interpret, link each feature to a biological event: the FSH peak early in the cycle corresponds to egg maturation; the oestrogen peak precedes the LH surge; the sharp LH peak coincides with ovulation around the middle of the cycle; and the progesterone peak in the second half maintains the uterus lining. A fall in progesterone and oestrogen near the end corresponds to menstruation. You may also be asked to compare curves, describe trends, or explain why one hormone rises or falls in relation to another. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Read values accurately from the axes, including the day and concentration of each peak. Identify the order of the peaks: FSH early, then oestrogen, then LH, then progesterone. Link the LH peak to ovulation at around the middle of the cycle. Link the progesterone peak to maintenance of the uterus lining after ovulation. A common slip: Reading the wrong axis or misreading the scale. Instead, checking the units and the value of each major gridline before quoting a number. Exam tip: Quote specific days and values from the graph to support each point you make.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Data interpretation
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Graph skills
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Hormone concentration changes
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Linking evidence to theory
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Data interpretation
- Linking each feature of a graph, such as a peak or trough, to a biological event such as ovulation or menstruation.
- Graph skills
- Reading values accurately from the axes, including the day and concentration of each peak, and comparing curves or describing trends.
- Hormone concentration changes
- The order of the peaks, with FSH early, then oestrogen, then LH, then progesterone, and a fall in progesterone and oestrogen near the end corresponding to menstruation.
- Linking evidence to theory
- Stating what a change in hormone level causes, rather than describing the shape of a curve without linking it to a biological event.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Hormones in human reproduction: (HT only) Students should be able to extract and interpret data from graphs showing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge