Question

the chart below depicts the levels of two hormones during an individuals menstrual cycle. what indicates that the individual may have become pregnant during this cycle?
neither of these hormones suggests pregnancy.
the progesterone remained low in the first part of the cycle.
the progesterone level increased in the last half of the cycle and did not return to preovulation levels.
the lh level spikes about halfway through the cycle.

Explanation:

• In a normal menstrual cycle without pregnancy, progesterone levels rise after ovulation (mid - cycle) and then drop if there is no fertilization.
• If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum (which produces progesterone) is maintained (by human chorionic gonadotropin from the developing embryo). So, progesterone levels remain high instead of dropping back to pre - ovulation levels.
• The LH spike is related to ovulation and is a normal part of the menstrual cycle (not a sign of pregnancy). The fact that progesterone increased in the last half of the cycle and did not return to pre - ovulation levels is a sign that the corpus luteum is being maintained, which is what happens in pregnancy.

Answer:

The progesterone level increased in the last half of the cycle and did not return to preovulation levels.