Hormonal control of the menstrual cycle
I can explain the roles of FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone in controlling the menstrual cycle in human females.
Hormonal control of the menstrual cycle
I can explain the roles of FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone in controlling the menstrual cycle in human females.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- FSH causes follicle maturation and secretion of oestrogen by the ovaries.
- Oestrogen causes thickening of uterus wall, secretion of LH by the pituitary gland and inhibits the release of FSH.
- LH causes ovulation; FSH and LH cause the mature follicle to break down and secrete progesterone.
- Progesterone prepares uterus lining for implantation of fertilised egg; stops secretion of LH & FSH by pituitary gland.
- Fall in progesterone causes menstruation.
Keywords
FSH - follicle stimulating hormone, causes the follicle containing an egg to mature
LH - luteinising hormone causes ovulation
Oestrogen - a hormone that causes thickening of the uterus lining and the release of LH from the pituitary gland
Progesterone - maintains the uterus lining and stops the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland
Ovulation - the release of an egg from a mature follicle in the ovaries
Common misconception
That the menstrual cycle is not linked with reproduction; that hormones only control mood.
Diagrams to show the clear effect of hormones on changes in the menstrual cycle and discuss the importance of the process to fertilisation.
To help you plan your year 11 biology lesson on: Hormonal control of the menstrual cycle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 biology lesson on: Hormonal control of the menstrual cycle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Hormones and human reproduction unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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None required.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
fallopian tube
ovary
cervix
vagina
uterus
Exit quiz
6 Questions
