The role of reproductive hormones in the menstrual cycle
Greg Foot explains the different hormones involved in the menstrual cycle
A Chemical messenger produced in glands and carried by the blood to specific organs in the body. is a chemical substance, produced by a An organ or tissue that makes a substance for release, such as a hormone. and carried by the blood, which alters the activity of specific target organs (and is then destroyed by the liver). Changes occur at puberty because of Chemical messenger produced in glands and carried by the blood to specific organs in the body.:
The Recurring series of events in the human female reproductive system. is a recurring process that occurs in females after puberty. It takes place in cycles which last around 28 days. During the cycle, the lining of the Also known as a womb. This is where the fertilised egg (ovum) develops. is prepared for pregnancy. If implantation of a fertilised egg into the uterus lining does not happen, the lining is then shed. This is known as Also called a 'period'. The loss of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus through the vagina during the menstrual cycle..
Several hormones control the menstrual cycle.
| Hormone | Produced by | Role |
| FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) | Pituitary gland | Causes an egg to mature in an ovary. |
| Oestrogen | Ovaries | Repairs, thickens and maintains the uterus lining. |
| LH (luteinising hormone) | Pituitary gland | Triggers ovulation in the ovary (the release of a mature egg). |
| Progesterone | Ovaries | Maintains the lining of the uterus during the middle part of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. |
| Hormone | FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Pituitary gland |
| Role | Causes an egg to mature in an ovary. |
| Hormone | Oestrogen |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Ovaries |
| Role | Repairs, thickens and maintains the uterus lining. |
| Hormone | LH (luteinising hormone) |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Pituitary gland |
| Role | Triggers ovulation in the ovary (the release of a mature egg). |
| Hormone | Progesterone |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Ovaries |
| Role | Maintains the lining of the uterus during the middle part of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. |
If a woman becomes pregnant, the The organ in the uterus of pregnant mammals that allows the transfer of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus through the umbilical cord. produces progesterone. This maintains the lining of the uterus during pregnancy and means that menstruation does not happen.
Learn more about hormones and the menstrual cycle with Dr Alex Lathbridge.
Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
Dr Alex Lathbridge explains what happens at each stage of the menstrual cycle.