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The menstrual cycle and contraception: Edexcel GCSE Biology questions

Every Edexcel GCSE Biology exam question on The menstrual cycle and contraception (specification points 7.4–7.8), 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,834 questions

  1. Q9(a)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 2 Higher

    3 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2 Higher, question 9(a)(i): Compare and contrast the hormone concentrations before and after the menopause. (3)

  2. Q9(a)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 2 Higher

    3 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2 Higher, question 9(a)(ii): Explain the roles of FSH and LH in the menstrual cycle. (3)

  3. Q9(a)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 2 Higher

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2 Higher, question 9(a)(i): Which hormones are in the female combined contraceptive pill? (1) A FSH and oestrogen B oestrogen and progesterone C progesterone and LH D LH and FSH

  4. Q9(a)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2 Higher

    3 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2 Higher, question 9(a)(ii): Explain how the hormones in contraceptive pills prevent ovulation. (3)

  5. Q9(a)(iii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2 Higher

    2 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2 Higher, question 9(a)(iii): Explain how a barrier method of contraception prevents pregnancy. (2)

  6. Q9(b)

    June 2024 · Paper 2 Higher

    6 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    Mark scheme (PDF)
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2 Higher, question 9(b): Hormones can be used as part of assisted reproductive technology. Explain how assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be used to increase the chances of a wo

  7. Q4(b)

    June 2024 · Paper 2 Foundation

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2 Foundation, question 4(b): Progesterone is produced in the ovaries. State one effect of progesterone on the uterus lining. (1)

  8. Q8(a)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Higher

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Higher, question 8(a)(i): The maximum concentration of oestrogen is just before ovulation. Which is the maximum concentration of oestrogen? (1) A 8 ng/ml B 210 pg/ml C 320 pg/ml D 900 ng

  9. Q8(a)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Higher

    3 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Higher, question 8(a)(ii): Explain how two of the hormones shown in Figure 15 cause ovulation. (3)

  10. Q8(a)(iii)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Higher

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Higher, question 8(a)(iii): State the number of days for the first menstruation shown in Figure 15. (1)

  11. Q8(a)(iv)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Higher

    4 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Higher, question 8(a)(iv): Explain how the levels of each hormone in the woman shown in Figure 15 would be different, if she was pregnant. (4)

  12. Q4(b)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Foundation

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Foundation, question 4(b)(i): The level of oestrogen peaks on day 13. State the effect on the follicle caused by the peak in oestrogen. (1)

  13. Q4(b)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Foundation

    2 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Foundation, question 4(b)(ii): Describe the effect of progesterone on the uterus lining from day 13 to day 21. (2)

  14. Q4(c)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Foundation

    2 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Foundation, question 4(c): The condom is an example of a barrier contraceptive. State one advantage and one disadvantage of using this barrier method of contraception. (2) Advantage Disad

  15. Q4(d)

    June 2023 · Paper 2 Foundation

    2 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2 Foundation, question 4(d): The contraceptive pill is an example of a hormonal method of contraception. Explain one way that the contraceptive pill stops a woman from becoming pregnant. (2

  16. Q6(a)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2 Higher

    2 marksThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2 Higher, question 6(a)(i): Explain how the combined contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy. (2)

  17. Q6(a)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2 Higher

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2 Higher, question 6(a)(ii): When taken correctly, the combined pill can be over 99% effective. Taking the combined pill can lead to weight gain. Give one other disadvantage of using the co

  18. Q6(a)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 2 Higher

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2 Higher, question 6(a)(i): Which form of contraception is a barrier method? (1) A oral contraception B female condom C rhythm (calendar) method D contraceptive implant

  19. Q6(a)(ii)

    November 2021 · Paper 2 Higher

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2 Higher, question 6(a)(ii): State why a barrier method of contraception may be used in addition to a hormonal method. (1)

  20. Q6(b)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 2 Higher

    1 markThe menstrual cycle and contraception
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 2 Higher, question 6(b)(i): State the endocrine gland that releases oestrogen. (1)
All 39 questions on The menstrual cycle and contraception, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(i) (3 marks): Compare and contrast the hormone concentrations before and after the menopause. (3)
  2. June 2025, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain the roles of FSH and LH in the menstrual cycle. (3)
  3. June 2024, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(i) (1 mark): Which hormones are in the female combined contraceptive pill? (1) A FSH and oestrogen B oestrogen and progesterone C progesterone and LH D LH and FSH
  4. June 2024, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain how the hormones in contraceptive pills prevent ovulation. (3)
  5. June 2024, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how a barrier method of contraception prevents pregnancy. (2)
  6. June 2024, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(b) (6 marks): Hormones can be used as part of assisted reproductive technology. Explain how assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be used to increase the chances of a wo
  7. June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(b) (1 mark): Progesterone is produced in the ovaries. State one effect of progesterone on the uterus lining. (1)
  8. June 2023, Paper 2 Higher, Q8(a)(i) (1 mark): The maximum concentration of oestrogen is just before ovulation. Which is the maximum concentration of oestrogen? (1) A 8 ng/ml B 210 pg/ml C 320 pg/ml D 900 ng
  9. June 2023, Paper 2 Higher, Q8(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain how two of the hormones shown in Figure 15 cause ovulation. (3)
  10. June 2023, Paper 2 Higher, Q8(a)(iii) (1 mark): State the number of days for the first menstruation shown in Figure 15. (1)
  11. June 2023, Paper 2 Higher, Q8(a)(iv) (4 marks): Explain how the levels of each hormone in the woman shown in Figure 15 would be different, if she was pregnant. (4)
  12. June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): The level of oestrogen peaks on day 13. State the effect on the follicle caused by the peak in oestrogen. (1)
  13. June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe the effect of progesterone on the uterus lining from day 13 to day 21. (2)
  14. June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(c) (2 marks): The condom is an example of a barrier contraceptive. State one advantage and one disadvantage of using this barrier method of contraception. (2) Advantage Disad
  15. June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(d) (2 marks): The contraceptive pill is an example of a hormonal method of contraception. Explain one way that the contraceptive pill stops a woman from becoming pregnant. (2
  16. June 2022, Paper 2 Higher, Q6(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain how the combined contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy. (2)
  17. June 2022, Paper 2 Higher, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): When taken correctly, the combined pill can be over 99% effective. Taking the combined pill can lead to weight gain. Give one other disadvantage of using the co
  18. November 2021, Paper 2 Higher, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Which form of contraception is a barrier method? (1) A oral contraception B female condom C rhythm (calendar) method D contraceptive implant
  19. November 2021, Paper 2 Higher, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): State why a barrier method of contraception may be used in addition to a hormonal method. (1)
  20. November 2021, Paper 2 Higher, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): State the endocrine gland that releases oestrogen. (1)
  21. November 2021, Paper 2 Higher, Q6(b)(ii) (4 marks): Explain how high levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the combined contraceptive pill work together to prevent pregnancy. (4)
  22. November 2021, Paper 2 Higher, Q6(c) (4 marks): Hormones can also be used to treat infertility. Explain how clomifene therapy and IVF can improve female fertility. (4) clomifene therapy IVF
  23. November 2020, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(c) (6 marks): Explain how hormones control the menstrual cycle. (6)
  24. June 2019, Paper 2 Higher, Q7(a)(i) (1 mark): Women with the condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) do not ovulate regularly. Women with PCOS can be treated using clomifene therapy. Clomifene t
  25. June 2019, Paper 2 Higher, Q7(a)(ii) (2 marks): During this therapy, a woman takes a clomifene tablet each day for the first five days of her menstrual cycle. Describe the changes that would happen inside the
  26. June 2019, Paper 2 Higher, Q7(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which hormone causes ovulation? (1) A LH B FSH C testosterone D progesterone
  27. June 2019, Paper 2 Higher, Q7(a)(iv) (2 marks): During clomifene therapy, the woman has a blood test on day 20 of the menstrual cycle. The blood test shows a high level of progesterone. Explain the cause of t
  28. June 2019, Paper 2 Higher, Q7(b) (2 marks): Hormones are also used as a method of contraception. Explain why taking high levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the combined contraceptive pill reduces the
  29. June 2019, Paper 2 Higher, Q7(c) (3 marks): The female population of Britain is 32.6 million. The percentage of this population taking the combined contraceptive pill is 13.2%. The combined pill is 98.8%
  30. June 2018, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(i) (2 marks): Use information from Figure 17 to explain why women over the age of 50 are less likely to ovulate. (2)
  31. June 2018, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(ii) (2 marks): Use information from Figure 17 to explain why women are less likely to menstruate after the age of 60. (2)
  32. June 2018, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how clomifene therapy may increase the chance of a woman over the age of 50 becoming pregnant. (2)
  33. June 2018, Paper 2 Higher, Q9(a)(iv) (1 mark): The hormone progesterone is produced by the (1) A corpus luteum B pituitary C thyroid D uterus
  34. Specimen, Paper 2 Higher, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe the changes in progesterone levels during the 28-day cycle. (2)
  35. Specimen, Paper 2 Higher, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why progesterone levels changed following day 14. (2)
  36. Specimen, Paper 2 Higher, Q2(b)(iii) (2 marks): Use Figure 5 to explain if the female is pregnant. (2)
  37. Specimen, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe the changes in progesterone levels during the 28-day cycle. (2)
  38. Specimen, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why progesterone levels changed following day 14. (2) Figure 15 shows the effectiveness of different methods of contraception in the prevention of pregn
  39. Specimen, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(c) (6 marks): Compare and contrast the data for different contraceptive methods and types, to advise a young adult as to the best method of contraception to avoid pregnancy.

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