Science

Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

LESSON 12.2
The Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle
Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Learning Competency 2

Learning Objectives 2

Warm-Up 2

Learn about It 4
Hormones Involved in the Menstrual Cycle 4
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) 5
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) 5
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) 6
Estrogen 7
Progesterone 7
Hormones Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle 7
FSH and LH secretion is stimulated by GnRH. 7
Growth, maturation, and creation of sex hormones are stimulated by FSH and LH. 8
Gonadotropin release is inhibited by negative feedback. 9
Gonadotropin release is stimulated by positive feedback. 9
Ovulation and formation of corpus luteum are triggered by LH surge. 9
LH and FSH release is inhibited by negative feedback. 9

Key Points 10

Check Your Understanding 11

Photo Credit 12

Bibliography 12
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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

Lesson 2
The Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

Female reproductive hormones control the menstrual cycle.

Introduction
As early as the age of nine years old, most female human beings start to have menstruation.
This process involves the release of blood from the female reproductive system which
happens on a monthly basis. How do you think menstruation is regulated in a timely
manner?

In the previous lesson, you learned about the role of different hormones in the growth of

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

follicles and the formation of mature egg cells. In this lesson, the processes that happen
within the ovary will be highlighted. How does the mature egg cell emerge from a single
undefined cell in the lining of the ovary?

Learning Competency
At the end of this lesson, the given DepEd learning competency should be met
by the students.
Describe the feedback mechanisms involved in regulating processes in the
female reproductive system (e.g., menstrual cycle) (S10LT-IIIc-35).

Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to do the following:
● Identify the hormones involved in females' menstrual cycle.
● Discuss how hormones interact to initiate the ovarian cycle.
● Discuss the feedback mechanisms involved in the hormonal control of
the menstrual cycle.

Warm-Up

When Does Menstruation Start and End?

Materials
● mobile phone
● paper

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

● pen

Procedure
1. Download the period tracker application on your smartphone.

Flo Health Inc. “Flo Ovulation Calendar.”

https://flo.health/

2. Using the prediction function of the application, determine the date for the end of
the period and the date of possible ovulation if menstruation started on the
following dates.

Data Table
Table 12.2.1. Dates of menstrual cycle as predicted by the period tracker app

Starting Date End of Menstrual Cycle Date of Ovulation

March 21, 2021

April 5, 2021

June 25, 2021

August 3, 2021

Guide Questions
1. Why is it important to track the menstrual period in females?
2. How long does an entire menstrual period last in females?
3. How long do females usually bleed during menstruation?
4. Why is it important to track the date of ovulation?

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

Learn about It

Hormones Involved in the Menstrual Cycle

The hormones involved in the menstrual cycle include the gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and
progesterone.

Essential Question
What is the role of hormones in regulating the female reproductive
system?

Table 12.2.2. Major hormones involved in the menstrual cycle

Hormone Source Target Organ Response

Gonadotropin-relea
Stimulates secretion
sing hormone Hypothalamus Anterior pituitary
of LH and FSH
(GnRH)

Follicle- Regulates the

puberty and
stimulating Anterior pituitary Ovaries
maturation of the
hormone (FSH)
ovarian follicle

Luteinizing Regulates
Anterior pituitary Ovaries menstrual cycle and
hormone (LH)
egg production

Estrogen Follicles of Ovaries Aids in thickening of

Uterus
the endometrium

Anterior pituitary Regulation of FSH

and hypothalamus secretion

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Aids in thickening of
Uterus
the endometrium
Corpus luteum of
Progesterone
ovaries
Anterior pituitary Regulation of FSH
and hypothalamus and LH secretion

Human chorionic Keeps the corpus

Corpus luteum of
Placenta luteum to produce
gonadotropin (HCG) ovaries.
progesterone

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

GnRH is produced and secreted by the hypothalamus. When it is secreted in the blood, it
causes the secretion of two hormones—FSH and LH—from the pituitary gland. At the
pituitary, the presence of GnRH stimulates the production and release of the
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). The release of these
hormones in the pituitary gland is highly regulated by the controlled changes in the
frequency of GnRH concentration from the hypothalamus. The low frequency of the
fluctuation of GnRH concentration is needed for the FSH release, while a high frequency is
required to stimulate LH production.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. It regulates the puberty and
maturation of the ovarian follicle. The presence of FSH in the ovary stimulates the
growth of the ovarian follicles through the active recruitment of immature cells in
the ovary. The presence of FSH keeps the developing follicles in the ovary alive. This
hormone starts to increase in concentration during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle
when there is a decrease in the concentration of progesterone and estrogen. This normally
happens during the first three days of menstruation. While the decrease in the
concentration of FSH is normally triggered by the maturation of the follicle that secretes
estrogen that leads to the production of LH in the pituitary gland instead of FSH. This
decrease in FSH can lead to the death of most follicles in the ovarian cortex and allowing
only a limited number of follicles to mature and complete the entire ovarian cycle.

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

LH is also produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. It helps in the regulation of the
menstrual cycle and egg production (ovulation). Depending on the phase of the menstrual
cycle, LH increases or decreases. LH also stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and
progesterone.

The luteinizing hormone stimulates the growth of thecal cells in the ovaries that leads to the
production of estrogen. A decrease in the concentration of the estrogen can trigger the
hypothalamus to create GnRH that leads to an increase in the concentration of LH in the
body. The increase in LH concentration can only last within 24 to 48 hours. The surge in the
LH triggers ovulation that leads to the release of the egg. This also initiates the
transformation of the follicle remnants into a corpus luteum that produces progesterone in
preparation for the possible implantation in the endometrium. The maintenance of LH
concentration is needed for sustainable luteal function within the menstrual cycle. If there is
a successful zygote implantation, the LH levels decrease.

Fig. 1. Pituitary hormone concentration during the ovarian cycle

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

Estrogen
Estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries in nonpregnant women and by the placenta
in pregnant women. Estrogen is one of the major female sex hormones that control the
development and regulation of the reproductive system together with the emergence of the
secondary sex characteristics in females. It is responsible for the growth and maturation
of female sex organs. It also promotes the maturation and release of an egg cell in the
menstrual cycle. Moreover, the estrogen maintains the development of the vagina
and uterine lining.

Progesterone
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for preparing the internal sex organs (mainly the
uterus) for pregnancy and the mammary gland for lactation. The progesterone is also
referred to as the "hormone of pregnancy" as it controls several processes in pregnancy.

Specifically, this hormone transforms the lining of the endometrium to have its
secretory capacity to prepare for the implantation of the zygote. Moreover, this keeps
the vagina and cervix secrete thick mucus that blocks the sperm from penetrating. If
pregnancy does not proceed, the progesterone concentration drops, thus leading to
menstruation in humans. The surge of progesterone in the ovary comes from the corpus
luteum. The increase in the level of progesterone decreases contraction of the uterus to
allow accommodation of the implanted zygote.

Essential Question
How does the female reproductive system coordinate with other body
systems to ensure homeostasis?

Hormones Interactions During the Ovarian Cycle

1. FSH and LH secretion is stimulated by GnRH.

The receptor present in the hypothalamus in the brain can detect the presence of

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low concentrations of estrogen and progesterone in the body. As a response, it

releases the GnRH that instructs the pituitary gland to release the FSH and LH.
These two hormones travel to the bloodstream via the blood vessels and go to the
ovaries.

2. Growth, maturation, and creation of sex hormones are stimulated by

FSH and LH.
Two hormones from the pituitary, the LH and FSH stimulate the growth of the
developing follicles in the ovary. LH stimulates the thecal cells to produce a small
amount of androgens that simulates the growth of the granulosa cells of the follicle.

Fig. 2. The regulation system of female hormones in the body

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3. Gonadotropin release is inhibited by negative feedback.

The stimulation of androgens to granulosa cells allows it to secrete inhibin and the
conversion of androgens to estrogen. The slight increase in the concentration of
estrogen and inhibin creates a negative feedback that inhibits the secretion of FSH
by signaling the hypothalamus to stop secreting GnRH. This event happens during
the early follicular stage.

4. Gonadotropin release is stimulated by positive feedback.

During the mid-follicular stage, as the follicle continues to grow, the receptor of the
hypothalamus will detect a rapid increase in the concentration of estrogen. This
event will create a positive feedback effect on the secretion of GnRH that leads to a
surge in LH concentration in the ovary.

5. Ovulation and formation of corpus luteum are triggered by LH surge.

Due to the positive feedback caused by the surge in estrogen, the hypothalamus
secretes more GnRH that simulates higher production of LH in the pituitary gland.
The surge in LH causes enlargement of the follicle due to the formation of the antral
space. This will create pressure inside the follicle that will cause rupturing of the
follicle during ovulation. This would cause the release of the egg out of the follicle.

6. LH and FSH release is inhibited by negative feedback.

The remains of the ruptured follicle become the corpus luteum. This will now
secrete progesterone needed for the preparation of the endometrium. The increase
in progesterone, estrogen, and inhibin creates a negative feedback to inhibit the
production of LH and FSH by cutting down the secretion of GnRH in the
hypothalamus.

Did You Know?

The regulation of female hormones during the menstrual cycle is highly
complex. Changes in the concentration of one hormone can affect the

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

entire process due to interconnected mechanisms of hormone regulation.

Failure to properly regulate the hormone concentration can cause
abnormalities or irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

Key Points

● The menstrual cycle is a cycle of events that take place in the reproductive system
of females. It occurs on an average of 28 days.
● Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced and secreted by the
hypothalamus. When it is secreted in the blood, it causes the secretion of two
hormones—FSH and LH—from the pituitary gland.
● Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland.
It regulates the puberty and maturation of the ovarian follicle
● Luteinizing hormone (LH) is also produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. It
helps in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and egg production (ovulation).
Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, LH increases or decreases. LH also
stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone.
● Estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries in nonpregnant women and by the
placenta in pregnant women. It is responsible for the growth and maturation of
female sex organs. It also promotes the maturation and release of an egg cell in the
menstrual cycle.
● Progesterone is the hormone responsible for preparing the internal sex organs
(mainly the uterus) for pregnancy and the mammary gland for lactation.

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

Check Your Understanding

A. Complete the table by determining the effect of each hormone in the ovarian and
uterine cycle.

Hormone Source Ovary Uterus

GnRH

Follicle-stimulating
hormone

Luteinizing
hormone

Estrogen

Progesterone

B. Write the word true if the statement is correct; otherwise, write the word false.
1. The corpus luteum is the one responsible for producing a high concentration of
estrogen after ovulation.
2. The lining of the uterus thickens due to the action of progesterone.
3. The decrease in the concentration of progesterone and estrogen leads to the
degradation of the endometrium lining.
4. Menstruation is the process of releasing hormones to prepare the ovary for the
transplantation of the fertilized egg.
5. The pressure in the antral space provides the pressure needed for ovulation.

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Grade 10 • Unit 12: Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive System

Photo Credit
Introduction image. Hygiene care during critical days. Regular menstrual cycle by Marco
Verch is licensed under CC BY-2.0 via Flickr.com.

Bibliography

Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. “Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive

Cycle.” Accessed last September 2, 2016.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/physiology-of-the-female-r
eproductive-system/.

Silverthorn, Dee Unglaub. 2013. Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach. 6th ed. London,
England: Pearson Education.

Sherwood, Laurelee. 2013. Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems. 8th ed. Boston,
Massachusetts: Cengage Learning.

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