GCSE Biology · Edexcel 1BI0 · Topic 7B
Reproductive hormones and contraception
Key points
- The menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days. Oestrogen makes the uterus lining thicken; progesterone keeps it thick.
- FSH (from the pituitary) makes an egg mature; LH triggers ovulation around day 14.
- Hormonal contraception: the pill or implant uses oestrogen and/or progesterone to stop eggs maturing or being released. Highly effective but can have side effects and gives no protection from STIs.
- Barrier methods such as condoms stop sperm reaching the egg; condoms also protect against STIs.
- Assisted reproductive technology: clomifene helps ovulation; IVF collects eggs, fertilises them in the lab and puts the embryos into the uterus.
- Interpret hormone level graphs across the cycle.
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Reproductive hormones control puberty, the monthly menstrual cycle and fertility. This sub-topic explains the four hormones of the cycle, how contraception works and how hormones are used to help couples who cannot conceive naturally.
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