MCAT Biology

hmmm...let me take a stab at it

first of all, remember...estrogen will stimulate gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which will stimulate LH and FSH

however, estrogen and progesterone together inhibit GnRH which in turn inhibits LH and FSH


ok, step by step:

I. Follicular phase: FSH and LH are both being secreted, this is just after the woman has completed menstration. FSH and LH at this point develop ovarian follicles which in turn secrete estrogen, which will stimulate GnRH, which will stimulate even more LH and FSH

II Ovulation: Now we have alot more LH which stimulate ovulation, or release of the egg from the ovary....

III Luteal phase: now there's still all that LH and it acts on the follicle to develop it into the corpus luteum. the corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone. both of these together will not only cause the endometrium to develop and vascularize, they'll make the LH and FSH secretions stop

IV Menstration: this occurs only if there is no fertalization. the corpus luteum degenerates, thus no more progesterone and estrogen..so no more thick uterine lining, so menstration occurs. and since the corpus luteum just degenerated, and theres no more estrogen and progesterone together, LH and FSH can be secreted again



hope that sort of helps, its a really short overview

 

Why do you females have to be so complex??

 

so the curve is in our favor