Puberty and the menstrual cycle

• What is the monthly release of an egg from a woman's ovaries called?


  The menstrual cycle
• What triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty?


  The release of sex hormones
• What is the main reproductive hormone in men?

  Testosterone
• Where is testosterone produced?


  In the testes
• What is the main reproductive hormone in women?

  Oestrogen
• What role does oestrogen play in the menstrual cycle?


  It is involved in bringing about physical changes and regulating the cycle
• What are the four stages of the menstrual cycle?

  1. Menstruation (Day 1-4): Uterus lining breaks down
  2. Follicular phase (Day 4-14): Uterus lining builds up
  3. Ovulation (Day 14): Egg is released
  4. Luteal phase (Day 14-28): Uterus lining maintained
• What happens on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle?

  Menstruation starts and the uterus lining breaks down
• What occurs from Day 4 to Day 14 of the menstrual cycle?


  The uterus lining builds up into a thick spongy layer
• What is ovulation and when does it occur?

  Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary, occurring on Day 14
• What happens if no fertilised egg lands on the uterus wall by Day 28?


  The spongy lining starts to break down and the cycle begins again
• What are the four hormones that control the menstrual cycle?

  1. FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

  • Produced in the pituitary gland
  • Causes egg maturation and stimulates oestrogen production

  1. Oestrogen

  • Produced in the ovaries
  • Causes uterine lining growth and regulates LH and FSH

  1. LH (Luteinising Hormone)

  • Produced by the pituitary gland
  • Stimulates egg release at ovulation

  1. Progesterone

  • Produced in the ovaries
  • Maintains uterine lining and inhibits LH and FSH
• Where is FSH produced?


  In the pituitary gland
• What does FSH do in the menstrual cycle?


  It causes an egg to mature and stimulates oestrogen production
• What is the role of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle?


  It causes the lining of the uterus to grow
• What does LH do in the menstrual cycle?


  It stimulates the release of an egg at ovulation
• What is the function of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?


  It maintains the lining of the uterus during the second half of the cycle
• What happens when the level of progesterone falls?


  The lining of the uterus breaks down
• How does progesterone affect LH and FSH release?


  It inhibits the release of LH and FSH
• Why is it important to learn the menstrual cycle graph?


  • To understand the role of each hormone
  • To visualize the changes during the cycle
  • To prepare for exam questions