Question

Which hormone level reaches peak during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle?
A) Luteinizing hormone
B) Progesterone
C) Follicle stimulating hormone
D) Estrogen

Answer 1

Hint:The hormonal changes of the luteal phase are associated with common premenstrual symptoms that many people experience, such as mood changes, headache, acne, bloating etc.,

Complete answer:
The luteal phase begins after ovulation. So, ovulation is the first phase and luteal phase is the second phase of the menstrual cycle. It lasts for 14 days (if fertilization has not occurred) and ends just before a menstrual period.

This phase is also called the rupture phase. The cells which are ruptured are follicles. In this phase, the follicle ruptures after releasing the egg and forms a new structure called corpus luteum. Corpus luteum produces increasing quantities of progesterone which plays an important role in the pregnancy period. The progesterone produced by the corpus luteum also causes body temperature to increase slightly during the luteal phase and remain elevated until a menstrual period begins. Estrogen and progesterone are secreted by the pituitary glands into the ovaries and are produced by the ovaries which are the female reproductive organs.

If the egg is not fertilized or if the fertilized egg does not implant, the corpus luteum degenerates after 14 days and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, and a new menstrual cycle begins

Thus, the correct answer is option B (Progesterone).

Note:If the embryo is implanted, the cells around the developing embryo begin to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone maintains the corpus luteum during pregnancy, which continues to produce progesterone, until the growing foetus can produce its own hormones.