In my AP Bio class we were learning about the
female reproductive cycle. We learned that an
increase in estrogen causes the anterior
pituitary to release a surge of luteinizing
hormone, which releases the egg (ovulation). I
also read on-line that "the pill" contains
hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and these
stop ovulation, but keep the rest of the cycle
going. If estrogen is what causes ovulation, how
can the estrogen in the pill stop ovulation?
Thanks, and sorry if my question doesn't make
sense. Ashley
Question Date: 2006-04-24
Answer 1:
I think the key thing to note is that a spike in
the estrogen level leads to ovulation. With the
pill, the level of estrogen is high, but constant.
Without the spike ovulation does not occur.
