Menstrual Cycle and Fertility

Question 1

What is the menstrual cycle?

Answer 1

he cycle in women (typically lasting 28 days) that involves:
● Shedding of uterus lining (menstruation)
● Repair of uterus lining
● Release of an egg (ovulation)
● Maintenance of uterus lining

Question 2

Describe the stages of the menstrual cycle

Answer 2

● Days 1-4: if fertilisation and implantation do not occur the uterus
lining sheds and the egg is expelled with it (menstruation)
● Days 4-14: uterus lining thickens and blood vessels grow in
preparation for the implantation of an egg
● Day 14: egg released from a follicle into the oviduct (ovulation)
● Days 14-28: uterus lining maintained so implantation can occur

Question 3

Name the hormones that control the menstrual cycle

4

Answer 3

● Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
● Oestrogen
● Luteinising hormone (LH)
● Progesterone

Question 4

Describe the role of FSH in the menstrual cycle

Answer 4

● Secreted by the pituitary gland
● Transported in the bloodstream to the ovaries
● Triggers the development of a follicle in the
ovaries which releases oestrogen

Question 5

Describe the role oestrogen plays in the menstrual

cycle

Answer 5

● Secreted by the ovaries
● Repairs and thickens the uterus lining
● Inhibits secretion of FSH from the pituitary gland
● Stimulates secretion of LH from the pituitary gland

Question 6

Describe the role of LH in the menstrual cycle

Answer 6

● Secreted by the pituitary gland
● Transported in the bloodstream to the ovaries
● Surge in LH triggers ovulation
● Stimulates follicle remains to develop into a corpus luteum
which then secretes progesterone

Question 7

What is a corpus luteum?

Answer 7

● Temporary endocrine structure
● Mass of cells that releases progesterone
● Degenerates after a few days

Question 8

Describe the role of progesterone in the menstrual

cycle

Answer 8

● Secreted by the corpus luteum
● Stimulates the growth of blood vessels in the uterus lining (in
preparation for implantation)
● Inhibits the release of FSH and LH
● If no implantation occurs, progesterone levels decrease and the
uterus lining sheds. FSH increases and the cycle starts again.

Question 9

What happens to progesterone levels if fertilisation

and implantation occur?

Answer 9

The placenta produces progesterone so
levels remain high. This prevents further
ovulation and maintains the uterus lining.

Question 10

What are contraceptives?

Answer 10

A method or device utilised to prevent

pregnancy

Question 11

Which hormones can be taken to prevent

pregnancy?

Answer 11

● Progesterone taken on its own

● Progesterone combined with oestrogen

Question 12

How does progesterone prevent pregnancy? (3)

Answer 12

● Sperm find it more difficult to enter the uterus as the
cervical mucus is thickened
● Thins the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of egg
implantation
● Prevents ovulation in some women (but not all)

Question 13

How does oestrogen prevent pregnancy?

Answer 13

Oestrogen inhibits FSH, preventing

the maturing of egg cells in the ovaries.

Question 14

Outline how progesterone can be administered as a

contraceptive (2)

Answer 14

● Mini-pill taken daily

● Injection

Question 15

Outline how progesterone and oestrogen can be

administered as a contraceptive (2)

Answer 15

● Combined pill
(taken continuously for 21 days then paused for 7 days)
● Skin patch
(worn continuously for 3 weeks then without for 1 week)

Question 16

What are the benefits of hormonal contraceptive

methods? (3)

Answer 16

● 99% effective when used properly
● Generally longer lasting than non-hormonal methods
● Used to treat other conditions e.g. painful/heavy periods

Question 17

What are the risks of hormonal contraceptive

methods?

Answer 17

● Side effects e.g. mood changes, acne, bloating

● Do not protect against STIs

● May involve uncomfortable medical procedures

● Not effective if used incorrectly

Question 18

Describe the barrier methods of contraception

Answer 18

Prevent the sperm and egg meeting

e.g. condoms, diaphragms (fit over cervix)

Question 19

What are the benefits of barrier methods of

contraception? (3)

Answer 19

● Condoms are simple and quick to use
● Condoms prevent the spread of STIs
● No side effects

Question 20

What is the main risk of barrier methods of

contraception?

Answer 20

Less effective than hormonal methods

e.g. condom may split whilst in use.

Question 21

What two methods (involving hormones) are used to

treat infertility?

Answer 21

● Clomifene therapy

● IVF

Question 22

Describe the role of hormones in IVF

Answer 22

1. FSH and LH given to a woman to stimulate egg
   production and ovulation
2. Eggs retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and
   fertilised in vitro
3. Resultant embryo transferred to the woman’s uterus

Question 23

Outline clomifene therapy

Answer 23

● Prescription of clomifene drug to women who do not
ovulate regularly
● Stimulates secretion of more FSH and LH which
triggers egg production and ovulation