Each of the following statements is a step in the menstrual cycle. identify when each step occurs by selecting the appropriate day(s) from the drop-down menu. the follicle reaches maturity. the blood and tissues lining the uterus are shed. if the egg is unfertilized, hormone levels drop and the next cycle begins. hormones cause follicles to develop in ovaries. hormones cause the mature follicle and the adjacent ovary wall to rupture and release an egg.