The changes in the level of hormones control ova production and the thickness of the uterus lining (the endometrium). Follow the link to the page on ova production and answer the problems.
When you have completed both the work on this page and on ova production try the oestrus cycle quiz.
menstrual cycle web address Follow this link to find out more about the role of hormones in the human menstrual cycle.
To check your answers to the tables click here.
The sexual cycle
The sexual cycle in females is called the oestrus cycle. In humans the term the menstrual cycle is usually used.
The role of hormones in the oestrus cycle
The graphs below show the changes in the hormone levels in a human female.
Humans are one of the few species where at the end of the oestrus cycle menstruation takes place.
You need to understand the role of hormones in the sexual cycle in mammals. Use your text books (or use the online text book) to fill in the tables below. To get a 'clean' version of the tables to print out click here.
Male hormones
| Hormone | Site of production | stimulates | inhibits | Physical effects |
| Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) |
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| Luteinsing hormone (LH), also known as interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) |
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| Testosterone |
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Female hormones
| Hormone | Site of production | stimulates | inhibits | Physical effects |
| Gonadothrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) |
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| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) |
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| Luteinising Hormone (LH) |
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| Oestrogen |
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| Progesterone |
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