Which hormone has overall control of the estrous cycle?
Correct. You chose {selectedText}.
Incorrect. You chose {selectedText}, but the correct answer is {correctText}.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone [GnRH], secreted by the hypothalamus in the brain, has overall control of the estrous cycle. It regulates secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary, which together act on the ovaries to encourage follicular development and eventually ovulation of the dominant follicle(s).
GnRH is released in a pulsatile manner based on progesterone and estrogen concentrations.
Progesterone (primarily made by the corpus luteum) inhibits follicular development, inhibits uterine contractions, and generally supports a healthy pregnancy. Progesterone supplements are sometimes used to postpone estrous behavior in the bitch and mare.
Oxytocin promotes milk letdown in a lactating mammal and promotes uterine contractions.
