During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, which sequence occurs?

• A. FSH rises first, then estrogen rises and FSH falls
• B. Estrogen rises first, then LH rises
• C. LH rises first, then FSH rises
• D. Progesterone rises first

Answer: (A)

The question tests the hormonal sequence in the follicular phase. Early on, FSH stimulates growth of the ovarian follicles. As these follicles develop, they begin producing estrogen, so estrogen levels rise. The rising estrogen then exerts negative feedback on the pituitary, causing FSH to fall even though estrogen is still increasing. This sequence—FSH rises first, then estrogen rises and FSH falls—fits the early follicular phase. LH does not rise yet (that happens later to trigger ovulation), and progesterone remains low because the corpus luteum has not formed.