Menstrual cycle

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

• produced in the pituitary gland
• causes an egg to mature in one of the ovaries, in the follicle
• stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen

Oestrogen

• produced in the ovaries
• causes the lining of the uterus to grow
• stimulates the release of LH and inhibits the release of FSH

LH (Luteinising Hormone)

• produced in the pituitary gland
• stimulates the release of an egg at day 14 (ovulation)

Progesterone

• produced in the ovaries by the remains of the follicle after ovulation
• maintains the lining of the uterus during the second half of the cycle, when the levels of progesterone fall, the lining breaks down
• inhibits the release of LH and FSH