AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle of a woman.
Full specification wording
Hormones in human reproduction: Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle of a woman.
The menstrual cycle is a recurring sequence of events in the female reproductive system, typically lasting about 28 days, that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 7 of 10
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The menstrual cycle is a recurring sequence of events in the female reproductive system, typically lasting about 28 days, that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. It is controlled not by a single chemical but by several hormones acting in sequence and in feedback loops. The main hormones are follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen and progesterone. FSH and LH are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain, while oestrogen and progesterone are secreted by the ovaries. Their changing concentrations coordinate two key events: the maturation and release of an egg, and the thickening and maintenance of the uterus lining. If no fertilised egg implants, hormone levels fall and the lining breaks down as menstruation. Understanding that multiple hormones interact, rather than one hormone acting alone, is essential before studying their individual roles.
What earns the marks
- Identify the pituitary gland as the source of FSH and LH, and the ovaries as the source of oestrogen and progesterone.
- State that the cycle is approximately 28 days long and involves coordinated changes in several hormones.
- Recognise that the cycle prepares the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy and that menstruation occurs if implantation does not happen.
- Describe the overall sequence: FSH matures an egg, oestrogen builds the lining, LH triggers ovulation, and progesterone maintains the lining.
- Explain that hormone concentrations change over time and that these changes are controlled by feedback between the pituitary gland and the ovaries.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking that only one hormone controls the cycle.
Put it right by naming all four hormones and their sources.
Confusing the roles of FSH and LH.
Put it right by linking FSH to egg maturation and LH to ovulation.
Believing oestrogen and progesterone are produced by the pituitary gland.
Put it right by stating they are produced by the ovaries.
Exam tips
- Name the gland that secretes each hormone, as marks are often awarded for correct sources.
- Use the terms maturation, ovulation and menstruation accurately rather than vague words such as 'release' for every event.
- When asked to describe the cycle, work through the events in chronological order to show the sequence clearly.
Try the lesson
The start of the Hormones in human reproduction: Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle of a woman. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which group of hormones is involved in controlling the menstrual cycle of a woman?
Listen
The menstrual cycle is a recurring sequence of events in the female reproductive system, typically lasting about 28 days, that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. It is controlled not by a single chemical but by several hormones acting in sequence and in feedback loops. The main hormones are follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen and progesterone. FSH and LH are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain, while oestrogen and progesterone are secreted by the ovaries. Their changing concentrations coordinate two key events: the maturation and release of an egg, and the thickening and maintenance of the uterus lining. If no fertilised egg implants, hormone levels fall and the lining breaks down as menstruation. Understanding that multiple hormones interact, rather than one hormone acting alone, is essential before studying their individual roles. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the pituitary gland as the source of FSH and LH, and the ovaries as the source of oestrogen and progesterone. State that the cycle is approximately 28 days long and involves coordinated changes in several hormones. Recognise that the cycle prepares the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy and that menstruation occurs if implantation does not happen. Describe the overall sequence: FSH matures an egg, oestrogen builds the lining, LH triggers ovulation, and progesterone maintains the lining. A common slip: Thinking that only one hormone controls the cycle. Instead, naming all four hormones and their sources. Exam tip: Name the gland that secretes each hormone, as marks are often awarded for correct sources.
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