When describing the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, a nurse identifies which hormone as ...

B
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With the initiation of the menstrual cycle, luteinizing hormone rises and stimulates the follicle to produce estrogen. As this hormone is produced by the follicle, estrogen levels rise inhibiting the output of LH. Ovulation occurs after an LH surge damages the estrogen-producing cells leading to a decline in estrogen. The LH surge results in the corpus luteum, which produces estrogen and progesterone. These two levels rise, suppressing LH. Lack of LH promotes degeneration of the corpus luteum, which then leads to a decline in estrogen and progesterone. The decline of ovarian hormones ends their negative effect on the secretion of LH, which is then secreted and the menstrual cycle begins again. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for breast milk production.