Which statement describes the early follicular phase?

Which statement describes the early follicular phase?

• A. GnRH is released and the corpus luteum of the previous cycle is resolving
• B. Ovulation occurs
• C. Endometrium begins to proliferate
• D. The dominant follicle is selected

Answer: (A)

The main idea is what starts the new cycle’s follicular growth: the hypothalamus begins releasing GnRH in a pulsatile pattern, which stimulates the pituitary to secrete FSH. At the same time, the corpus luteum from the previous cycle regresses because LH support wanes, leading to a drop in progesterone and estrogen. This luteolysis clears the way for FSH to rise and recruit new follicles, marking the beginning of the early follicular phase. So, this option best describes the transition: GnRH is released and the corpus luteum of the previous cycle is resolving. Ovulation happens later in the cycle, endometrium proliferation results from rising estrogen during the proliferative phase, and the dominant follicle is selected after several follicles begin to grow, not at the very start.

The main idea is what starts the new cycle’s follicular growth: the hypothalamus begins releasing GnRH in a pulsatile pattern, which stimulates the pituitary to secrete FSH. At the same time, the corpus luteum from the previous cycle regresses because LH support wanes, leading to a drop in progesterone and estrogen. This luteolysis clears the way for FSH to rise and recruit new follicles, marking the beginning of the early follicular phase.

So, this option best describes the transition: GnRH is released and the corpus luteum of the previous cycle is resolving. Ovulation happens later in the cycle, endometrium proliferation results from rising estrogen during the proliferative phase, and the dominant follicle is selected after several follicles begin to grow, not at the very start.