Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Breast Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Breast related questions and content

A woman who is charting her basal temperature during her cycle notes a sudden increase of 0.6°F in her waking temperature on the 15th day of her menstrual cycle. Which hormone is the cause of this finding?

  • A. FSH
  • B. Progesterone
  • C. Estrogen
  • D. Prostaglandin
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Progesterone. On the 15th day of the menstrual cycle, the woman would have ovulated, leading to the release of the egg and the formation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which causes an increase in basal body temperature. FSH (A) is responsible for stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles, not the temperature increase. Estrogen (C) levels peak before ovulation but do not cause the post-ovulation temperature rise. Prostaglandin (D) is involved in various physiological processes but not directly related to the basal temperature increase post-ovulation.