OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What effect does oestrogen have on FSH production?

1. It increases FSH production

2. It inhibits FSH production

3. It has no effect on FSH production

4. It slows down FSH production

The correct answer is: It inhibits FSH production

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, particularly in the feedback mechanisms that involve follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production. When levels of oestrogen rise, typically following the maturation of ovarian follicles, this increased amount of oestrogen exerts a negative feedback effect on the pituitary gland, thereby inhibiting the release of FSH. This inhibition is important because it helps to regulate the growth and development of ovarian follicles. It prevents excessive stimulation of the ovaries once a dominant follicle has been established, ensuring that only one or a few follicles mature in any given cycle. This feedback mechanism balances the hormonal interactions within the female reproductive system, facilitating a controlled and organized process of ovulation. Understanding this process is vital in grasping how hormonal interplay controls reproductive functions, and it highlights the importance of oestrogen in maintaining reproductive health.