Hormones Regulating Menstrual Cycle

Follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) is secreted from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland just after menstruation. It causes Graafian follicle to grow in the ovary. FSH also stimulates tissues of the ovary to produce oestrogen. Oestrogen brings about healing and repair of endometrium destroyed during menstruation. Accumulation of oestrogen stimulates pituitary gland produce Luteinising hormone (LH). The luteinising hormone (LH) stimulates maturation of graafian follicle. The mature graafian follcle releases an ovum into funnel shaped part of the ovary. This is known as ovulation. LH also brings about changing of graafian follicle into corpus luteum. LH then stimulates corpus luteum to secrete progesterone. Progesterone stimulates thickening of the endometrium and increases blood supply to the endometrium in preparation for implantation. When fertilisation has taken place, progesterone levels increase and this inhibits secretion of FSH; hence no more growth of graafian follicle;