Module 3 Lesson 6 - 2

Female Hormones Summary

• produced by growing follicles in the follicular stage and initiates the development of the endometrium
• produced by corpus luteum in the luteal stage
• suppresses FSH and LH secretion during menstrual cycle EXCEPT near the end of the follicular stage when high concentrations of estrogen triggers a surge in LH, leading to ovulation
  

• small amounts produced by growing follicles in the follicular stage
• produced by corpus luteum in the luteal stage
• maintains the endometrium
• calms uterine smooth muscle contractions
• suppresses FSH and LH secretion through negative feedback
  

• first hormone in the cycle to increase in concentration
• peaks in the follicular stage
• causes follicles to mature in the ovaries
• growing follicles secrete estrogen, which initially suppresses FSH and LH, but causes LH surge in the middle of the cycle (end of the follicular stage)
• hormone used in fertility drugs
  

• LH spike at day 14 causes ovulation of the secondary oocyte
  
• stimulates the remaining follicle to transform into corpus luteum
• corpus luteum produces high levels of progesterone and some estrogen in the luteal stage

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