Homeostasis & ResponseStudy Notes

The 28-Day Menstrual Cycle

Part of ContraceptionGCSE Biology

This study notes covers The 28-Day Menstrual Cycle within Contraception for GCSE Biology. Topic 9: Contraception It is section 2 of 12 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 12

Practice

15 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📌 The 28-Day Menstrual Cycle

  • Days 1-5: Menstruation — uterus lining breaks down (period)
  • Days 6-13: Uterus lining rebuilds; egg matures (FSH + oestrogen)
  • Day 14: Ovulation — egg released (LH surge)
  • Days 15-28: Uterus lining maintained by progesterone
  • If no fertilisation, progesterone drops and cycle restarts

📊 Visual: The Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual cycle diagram showing the 4 hormones (FSH, LH, oestrogen, progesterone), the 28-day timeline with menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase, hormone level graphs, and uterus lining changes

📌 Remember: FSH → egg matures | Oestrogen → repairs lining, triggers LH | LH → ovulation (day 14) | Progesterone → maintains lining


Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Contraception. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Contraception

Which hormone triggers the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation)?

  • A. FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
  • B. Oestrogen
  • C. LH (luteinising hormone)
  • D. Progesterone
1 markfoundation

Explain the role of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

How do hormonal contraceptives work?
They contain synthetic hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that maintain high hormone levels, preventing ovulation.
What is contraception?
Methods and devices used to prevent pregnancy by stopping fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg.

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