Question

Which hormone level reaches a peak during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
(a) Luteinizing hormone
(b) Progesterone
(c) Follicle- stimulating hormone
(d) Oestrogen

Answer 1

Hint: After the ovulation which is the release of the egg from the ovary, the bunch of cells covering the egg for nutrition and nourishment is converted into a yellow- colored mass of cells called Corpus luteum in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The corpus luteum releases a certain hormone that helps in keeping the uterine wall intact during the pregnancy.

Complete step by step answer:
The level of progesterone hormone reaches a peak during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is the reproductive cycle in all primates that begins at puberty. The term of one cycle lasts for 28- days in a normal condition.
The luteal phase- is the postovulatory phase where the fate of the corpus luteum is decided.
- Just before ovulation, the follicular cells, granulosa, and theca develop into lutein cells which provide the mass of cells with yellow color due to the lipid composition. This mass of cells is called corpus luteum.
- The corpus luteum inhibits the release of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland by releasing a hormone called progesterone.
- The progesterone helps in the maintenance of the uterus lining in case of pregnancy, for proper implantation of the fertilized ovum.
- In case of no fertilization and low levels of FSH and LH, the corpus luteum degenerates causing a fall in the secretion of progesterone. The falling levels of progesterone trigger the onset of menstruation in the female body.
- This whole process of the start of ovulation to the start of menstruation takes about 14 days or 2 weeks.
So, the correct answer ‘Progesterone’.

Note: In the case of successful fertilization, followed by pregnancy, the release of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) from the placenta prevents the degeneration of the corpus luteum. The Corpus luteum is essential to produce progesterone in order to keep the uterine wall intact throughout the pregnancy.