The Menstrual Cycle

The graph below shows the levels of three different chemicals involved in the control
of the menstrual cycle.

a) What do we call the group of chemicals that control the menstrual cycle?

[1]

b) Describe and explain what happens to the lining of the womb during the menstrual

cycle.

[4]

c) What is the average length of the human menstrual cycle?

[1]

d) Which two glands secrete chemicals that control the menstrual cycle?

[2]
e) Describe the function of each of these chemicals involved.
i) FSH

[2]

ii) Oestrogen

[2]

iii) LH

[1]

f) Describe what happens during the first five days of the menstrual cycle and
explain why this is important.

[4]

g) Imagine you are a doctor. Use the graph to explain to a couple who are trying to
have a baby when it would be best to have sex. Remember sperm can live for up to
three days inside the woman’s body.

[3]

h) Progesterone is another chemical produced during the menstrual cycle. Its

function is to maintain the lining of the uterus. Explain why this hormone would stay
at a high level if a woman became pregnant.

[2]

Total = 22 marks