Birth Control Problem Set

Problem 7: Female Reproductive Cycle

In a "typical" 28 day female reproductive cycle, on which day following the beginning of the menstrual period is a women most likely to ovulate?

A. 7

B. 14
For the first 12 days of the menstrual cycle, estrogen has a negative effect on the production of gonadotropins. Following these 12 days the negative effect changes to a positive effect on the production of gonadotropic hormones.
This results in a small increase of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), but a large increase of luteinizing hormone (LH). This sudden increase of LH causes the mature follicle to release the egg.

C. 21

The Biology Project
University of Arizona
Tuesday, February 10, 1998
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