Question

During different phases of menstrual cycle, hormones are secreted. Choose the option showing the correct sequence of hormones.

• A. FSH, Progesterone, Estrogen
• B. Estrogen, FSH, Progesterone
• C. FSH, Estrogen, Progesterone
• D. Estrogen, Progesterone, FSH

Hint:

Think of the functional chronology: First recruit the factory (FSH), then build the uterine walls (Estrogen), and finally secure/maintain those walls (Progesterone).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The coordination of the menstrual cycle involves a precise temporal sequence of hormonal peaks and surges controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The sequential progression of hormones driving the stages of the cycle is structured as follows:
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Secreted by the anterior pituitary at the beginning of the cycle to recruit and stimulate primary follicles.
• Estrogen: Secreted by the growing ovarian follicles to rebuild the shed endometrium.
• Progesterone: Secreted in large quantities post-ovulation by the newly formed corpus luteum to stabilize the endometrium.

Step 1: Evaluate the early phase hormone.
At the commencement of the cycle (follicular phase), the anterior pituitary releases Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). FSH is mandatory to initiate the development of primary ovarian follicles into secondary and tertiary forms. Thus, FSH acts first in the sequence.

Step 2: Evaluate the mid-phase hormone.
As the ovarian follicles develop under FSH stimulation, their granulosa cells begin to produce and secrete Estrogen. The rising concentrations of Estrogen dominate the later part of the follicular phase, reaching a peak right before ovulation to trigger the LH surge and promote uterine healing. Thus, Estrogen comes second.

Step 3: Evaluate the late-phase hormone.
Following ovulation, the remnants of the follicle collapse and differentiate into the corpus luteum. This yellow endocrine body synthesizes and secretes Progesterone in high amounts throughout the luteal phase. Thus, Progesterone finishes the sequence.

Step 4: Synthesize the final sequence layout.
Combining these chronological steps provides the clear orderly sequence: \[ \text{FSH} \rightarrow \text{Estrogen} \rightarrow \text{Progesterone} \] This precisely matches Option (C).