Question

Which of the following hormones control(s) the menstrual cycle in human beings?

• A. FSH
• B. LH
• C. FSH, LH, estrogen
• D. Oxytocin

Hint:

The menstrual cycle is regulated by two pairs of hormones:
Pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) which act on the ovaries, and ovarian hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone) which act on the uterus.
FSH and LH levels reach their peak in the middle of the cycle (around day 14), triggering ovulation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question belongs to the topic "Human Reproduction" in the NCERT Class 12 curriculum, focusing on the hormonal regulation of the female menstrual cycle.
We are asked to identify the hormones that play an active role in controlling this cycle.

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
The menstrual cycle is regulated by the rhythmic secretion of hormones through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
The primary hormones involved are:
1. Pituitary gonadotropins: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
2. Ovarian hormones: Estrogen and Progesterone.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Let us understand the specific role of each of these hormones during the cycle:
-

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Secreted by the anterior pituitary, it stimulates the growth and development of primary ovarian follicles into mature Graafian follicles during the follicular phase.
-

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Also secreted by the anterior pituitary, a rapid surge of LH (LH surge) in the middle of the cycle (around day 14) triggers the rupture of the Graafian follicle, leading to ovulation. It also maintains the corpus luteum.
-

Estrogen: Secreted by the growing ovarian follicles, it stimulates the repair and proliferation of the uterine endometrium during the proliferative phase and exerts feedback control on the pituitary gland.
-

Progesterone: Secreted by the corpus luteum, it maintains the endometrium for implantation.

• Comparing the options:
- Options (A) and (B) list individual hormones (FSH and LH), which are incomplete.
- Option (C) lists "FSH, LH, estrogen," which includes both pituitary gonadotropins and the main ovarian hormone responsible for the proliferative phase, representing the most complete and accurate option among the choices.
- Option (D) Oxytocin is responsible for uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection, playing no role in regulating the menstrual cycle.



Step 4: Final Answer:
The hormones that control the menstrual cycle in human beings are FSH, LH, and estrogen, which corresponds to option (C).