Menstrual Cycle: Notes and MCQ for Class 12 , BSC, BPharm, Nursing, BPT, BDS, MBBS, NEET, GPAT, CUET
Menstrual Cycle: Notes
The menstrual cycle is a recurring cycle in females (~28 days on average) that prepares the body for pregnancy. It is divided into three main phases:
1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1–5)
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Shedding of the endometrial lining due to drop in estrogen and progesterone.
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Triggered by the degeneration of the corpus luteum.
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Blood, mucus, and endometrial tissue are expelled.
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FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) starts to rise to stimulate new follicle development.
2. Follicular Phase (Proliferative Phase) (Day 1–13)
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Begins with menstruation and ends with ovulation.
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FSH stimulates growth of ovarian follicles.
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Growing follicles secrete estrogen → promotes endometrial proliferation.
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Near ovulation, rising estrogen exerts positive feedback on LH, causing a surge.
3. Ovulation (Around Day 14)
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Triggered by LH surge (from anterior pituitary) due to high estrogen levels.
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Rupture of the dominant Graafian follicle, releasing the ovum.
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Best time for fertilization (fertile window).
4. Luteal Phase (Secretory Phase) (Day 15–28)
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After ovulation, the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum.
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Progesterone (and some estrogen) is secreted → prepares endometrium for implantation.
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If no fertilization: corpus luteum degenerates → ↓ progesterone/estrogen → menstruation restarts.
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If fertilization occurs: corpus luteum is maintained by hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Summary Table
| Phase | Duration | Dominant Hormone | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menstrual | Day 1–5 | ↓ Estrogen & Progesterone | Shedding of endometrial lining |
| Follicular | Day 1–13 | Estrogen | Follicle development, endometrial repair |
| Ovulation | Day 14 | LH surge | Release of ovum |
| Luteal | Day 15–28 | Progesterone | Endometrial thickening, preparation for implantation |
MCQs on Menstrual Cycle
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Which hormone surge is responsible for ovulation?
A. FSH
B. Estrogen
C. LH
D. Progesterone
Answer: C. LH -
Which phase of the menstrual cycle is dominated by progesterone?
A. Menstrual
B. Follicular
C. Ovulatory
D. Luteal
Answer: D. Luteal -
What happens to the endometrium during the follicular phase?
A. It degenerates
B. It sheds
C. It thickens due to estrogen
D. It becomes secretory
Answer: C. It thickens due to estrogen -
Which hormone maintains the corpus luteum in early pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. hCG
D. LH
Answer: C. hCG -
Which of the following is true about the menstrual phase?
A. It is triggered by a rise in estrogen
B. Progesterone is high
C. Endometrial lining is shed
D. LH peaks
Answer: C. Endometrial lining is shed- Participate in GPAT MOCK TEST