Hormonal coordination in humans key terms

Oestrogen

A hormone produced by the ovaries that regulates female secondary sexual characteristics and is involved in the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the ovaries that helps maintain the uterus lining during the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy.

FSH

In Hormones in human reproduction, FSH means follicle Stimulating Hormone, a hormone that stimulates the maturation of eggs in the ovaries. This matters in Hormonal coordination in humans because it supports the learning objective to explain (HT only) how FSH, oestrogen, LH and progesterone interact during the menstrual cycle. Use FSH only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

LH

In Hormones in human reproduction, LH means luteinizing Hormone, a hormone that triggers ovulation and the release of eggs from the ovaries. This matters in Hormonal coordination in humans because it supports the learning objective to explain (HT only) how FSH, oestrogen, LH and progesterone interact during the menstrual cycle. Use LH only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

menstrual cycle

The monthly series of changes in hormone levels that regulate ovulation and menstruation in females.

hormone levels

The concentrations of specific hormones in the bloodstream that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, influencing reproductive processes.

hormonal contraception

Methods of contraception that use hormones to prevent ovulation and regulate the menstrual cycle.

non-hormonal contraception

Methods of contraception that do not involve hormones, such as barrier methods and abstinence.

oral contraceptives

Hormonal methods that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production, preventing the maturation of eggs.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone, a hormone that is inhibited by oral contraceptives to prevent egg maturation.

progesterone

A hormone involved in the menstrual cycle that inhibits egg maturation and release when delivered through injections, implants, or skin patches.

contraceptive methods

Various techniques, including hormonal methods like injections and implants, that prevent pregnancy by inhibiting egg maturation and release.

barrier methods

Contraceptive methods that physically prevent sperm from reaching an egg, including condoms and diaphragms.

condom

A barrier method of contraception that is worn on the penis or inside the vagina to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

intrauterine device

A contraceptive device inserted into the uterus to prevent implantation of an embryo or to release hormones.

implant

A hormonal contraceptive method that is placed under the skin to release hormones that inhibit egg maturation and release.

spermicidal agents

In Contraception, spermicidal agents means chemicals that kill or disable sperm to prevent fertilization. This matters in Hormonal coordination in humans because it supports the learning objective to describe spermicidal agents as chemicals that kill or disable sperm. Use spermicidal agents only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

contraception

Methods used to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting sperm from reaching an egg or preventing ovulation.

abstinence

The practice of refraining from sexual intercourse, particularly during the time when an egg may be present in the oviduct.

behavioural contraception

Methods of contraception that rely on changes in sexual behavior to prevent pregnancy, such as abstaining from intercourse.

sterilisation

A surgical method of contraception that permanently prevents pregnancy by blocking or sealing the reproductive pathways.

contraception

In Contraception, contraception means methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy during or following sexual intercourse. This matters in Hormonal coordination in humans because it supports the learning objective to describe sterilisation as a surgical method of contraception. Use contraception only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

contraception

Methods used to prevent pregnancy, which can raise personal, social, economic, and environmental considerations.

ethical considerations

Moral implications and debates surrounding the use of contraception, including access, rights, and societal impacts.

effectiveness

In Contraception, effectiveness means the degree to which a contraception method successfully prevents pregnancy. This matters in Hormonal coordination in humans because it supports the learning objective to evaluate different contraception methods using effectiveness, risk, convenience and ethical considerations. Use effectiveness only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

ethical considerations

The moral implications and societal values that influence the choice and acceptance of contraception methods.

FSH

In The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only), FSH means follicle Stimulating Hormone, a hormone that stimulates the maturation of eggs in the ovaries. This matters in Hormonal coordination in humans because it supports the learning objective to explain (HT only) how fertility drugs containing FSH and LH can stimulate eggs to mature. Use FSH only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

LH

LH, or luteinising hormone, is used in infertility treatment with FSH to support egg maturation and ovulation. In this HT-only fertility context, LH is part of the hormone treatment sequence before eggs are collected for IVF.

IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves stimulating egg production with hormones, collecting the eggs, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone that stimulates the maturation of eggs in the ovaries and is used in fertility treatments to promote egg development.