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How does negative feedback between the ovaries and pituitary gland work?

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Detailed cross-sectional illustration of a human ovary showing the stages of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, with labeled structures including primordial, primary, secondary, and mature follicles, a ruptured follicle releasing an ovum, and corpus luteum and albicans. An inset at the bottom shows the ovary's location in the female reproductive system. — ovary The steps of ovulation, beginning with a dormant primordial follicle that grows and matures and is eventually released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

The negative feedback loop between the ovaries and the pituitary gland is a fundamental regulatory mechanism of the menstrual cycle. It ensures that the production of reproductive hormones remains balanced and that ovulation is controlled.12

The process functions through the following interactions:

Pituitary Stimulation: The pituitary gland secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate the growth and secretory activity of ovarian follicles.12
Ovarian Response: As these follicles mature, they produce increasing amounts of estrogen.32
Negative Feedback: The rising levels of estrogen act back on the pituitary gland to inhibit the further output of FSH. This feedback mechanism prevents the overstimulation of follicles.12
Progesterone Influence: Following ovulation, the corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone. Progesterone further suppresses the pituitary gland to inhibit additional ovulation, ensuring that the body does not release another egg while potentially preparing for pregnancy.12

This system is further integrated by the hypothalamus, which coordinates these hormonal signals with the central nervous system to adjust reproductive cycles based on environmental factors.12