Question

If the amount of progesterone in the blood remained at the level seen in the middle of the luteal phase for 6 straight months, what would the effect be on menstruation?

a.) Menstruation would not occur.
b.) Menstruation would occur consistently for the entire 6 months.
c.) Menstruation would occur at the typical intervals, but would be heavier than before.
d.) Menstruation would occur at the typical intervals, but would be lighter than before.
e.) There would be no effect on menstruation.

Answer 1

Continuous high levels of progesterone would prevent menstruation by maintaining the endometrium, as this would mimic the hormonal conditions of pregnancy, inhibiting the usual menstrual cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the amount of progesterone in the blood remained at the level seen in the middle of the luteal phase for 6 straight months, menstruation would not occur.

This is because the presence of progesterone in high levels typically sustains the endometrium, preventing it from breaking down which is a prerequisite for menstruation to occur. Normally, if a pregnancy does not take place, the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone, degenerates leading to a drop in progesterone levels; as a result, the endometrium cannot be maintained, leading to its shedding during menstruation. Hence, continuous high levels of progesterone would mimic the hormonal conditions of pregnancy, thereby inhibiting the menstrual cycle.