Disorders in Reproductive System Related

Review Disorders in Reproductive System related questions and content

Two days before the onset of menstruation, secretions of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) reach their lowest levels. What is the cause of this low level of secretion?

  • A. The anterior pituitary gland becomes unresponsive to the stimulatory effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
  • B. Estrogen from the developing follicles exerts a feedback inhibition on the hypothalamus
  • C. The rise in body temperature inhibits hypothalamic release of GnRH
  • D. Secretion of estrogen, progesterone, and inhibin by the corpus luteum suppresses hypothalamic secretion of GnRH and pituitary secretion of FSH
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because two days before menstruation, the corpus luteum secretes estrogen, progesterone, and inhibin, which collectively suppress the hypothalamus's secretion of GnRH and the pituitary gland's secretion of FSH and LH. This hormonal feedback loop helps prepare the body for menstruation.

A: The anterior pituitary gland becoming unresponsive to GnRH does not explain the low FSH and LH levels.
B: Estrogen from developing follicles typically exerts a positive feedback on the hypothalamus, not inhibitory feedback.
C: The rise in body temperature does not directly impact FSH and LH levels; it is more related to ovulation.