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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Menstrual Cycle and Hormones Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of the hormonal control of the menstrual cycle and the roles of each hormone.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Describe the roles of the following hormones in the menstrual cycle: (a) FSH, (b) LH, (c) oestrogen, (d) progesterone.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. (a) FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): stimulates the development of a follicle in the ovary.
    2. (b) LH (luteinising hormone): triggers ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary).
    3. (c) Oestrogen: causes the uterus lining to thicken; stimulates LH release.
    4. (d) Progesterone: maintains the thick uterus lining; if no fertilisation, progesterone drops and menstruation occurs.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe what happens during menstruation and state when it typically occurs in the cycle.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The lining of the uterus breaks down and is shed through the vagina.
    2. Includes blood and tissue.
    3. Typically occurs on days 1–5 of the 28-day cycle.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain how hormonal contraceptives (the pill) prevent pregnancy.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Contains oestrogen and/or progesterone (synthetic versions).
    2. These hormones inhibit FSH production: so no follicle develops and no egg matures.
    3. Without ovulation, fertilisation cannot occur.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State the approximate day of the menstrual cycle when ovulation occurs.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Approximately day 14 of the 28-day cycle.
    2. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain what happens to progesterone levels if the egg is fertilised, and why this is important for pregnancy.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. If the egg is fertilised and implants, progesterone levels remain high.
    2. The corpus luteum and later the placenta produce progesterone.
    3. High progesterone maintains the thick uterus lining: supporting the developing embryo and preventing menstruation.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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