Question

Select correct statements regarding menstrual cycle in human female: (i) First menstruation begins at puberty and is called menopause.
(ii) Ovulation occurs around day 14 when progesterone is maximum.
(iii) In absence of fertilisation, corpus luteum degenerates causing menstruation.
(iv) Menstrual cycle ceases around 50 years of age.

• A. (i) and (ii) only
• B. (ii) and (iv) only
• C. (i) and (iii) only
• D. (iii) and (iv) only

Hint:

Menstrual cycle is controlled by hormone feedback loops involving FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The menstrual cycle is a complex, cyclic physiological process in human females regulated by a precise hormonal interplay between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and uterus. It is designed to prepare the female reproductive system for possible pregnancy every month. The cycle typically lasts about 28 days and is divided into follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase, and menstrual phase. Each phase is controlled by hormones such as FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone. Understanding the correctness of each statement requires knowledge of both hormonal regulation and reproductive biology.

Step 1: Using the definition of menarche and menopause.
Statement (i) is incorrect because the first menstruation at puberty is called menarche, not menopause. Menopause refers to the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles at later age, usually around 45–50 years. Thus, the terminology used in statement (i) is biologically wrong.

Step 2: Using hormonal regulation of ovulation and progesterone levels.
Statement (ii) is incorrect because ovulation does occur around day 14 in a typical 28-day cycle, but progesterone is not at its maximum at this time. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation during the luteal phase due to corpus luteum activity. At ovulation, LH surge is maximum, not progesterone.

Step 3: Using corpus luteum degeneration mechanism.
Statement (iii) is correct. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum (formed after ovulation) degenerates. This leads to a sudden drop in progesterone and estrogen levels, causing breakdown of the endometrial lining and resulting in menstruation. This is a key physiological mechanism of the menstrual cycle.

Step 4: Using reproductive aging and menopause concept.
Statement (iv) is correct. The menstrual cycle ceases permanently around 45–50 years of age due to depletion of ovarian follicles and reduced hormone production. This stage is called menopause and marks the end of reproductive life. Final Understanding: Only statements (iii) and (iv) correctly describe the physiological events of the menstrual cycle.