Female Hormone Panel™ (FHP™): Patient Overview The Cyclical
Pacing of the Ovaries The human ovary releases its hormones in a
cyclical manner, which is referred to as the menstrual cycle.
The average cycle is 26-30 days. The timing and pacing of
hormone release is governed by GnRH, FSH and LH, hormones from
the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain. The two
major classes of ovarian hormones released during the menstrual
cycle are estrogens and progestogen, also known as the female
steroid sex hormones. The major and most active estrogen
released is estradiol, while the major progestogen is
progesterone. The Female Cycle has Three Physiologic Phases: 1.
The follicular phase starts with the onset of menstrual blood
flow and is of variable length. This phase is normally
characterized by both low estrogen and progesterone output. 2.
The ovulatory phase is 1 to 3 days long, and the human ovum
(egg) is released in this phase. This phase is preceded by high
estrogen and LH levels. 3. The luteal phase is rath