menstrual cycle

• What hormones are high at the beginning of the cycle?

  FSH and LH
• What is the role of FSH and LH at the beginning of the cycle?

  To stimulate egg production
• What does the production of estrogen do during the cycle?

  It thickens the uterus lining
• What happens to LH, FSH, and estrogen levels when the egg is released?

  They decrease
• What hormone is released to maintain the uterus lining after the egg is released?

  Progesterone
• What occurs if the egg is not fertilized?

  Progesterone levels decrease
• What happens to the uterus lining if the egg is not fertilized?

  It breaks down, causing menstruation
• What are the main hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle?

  • High levels of FSH and LH stimulate egg production
  • Estrogen thickens the uterus lining
  • After egg release, LH, FSH, and estrogen decrease
  • Progesterone maintains the uterus lining
  • If unfertilized, progesterone decreases and menstruation occurs
• How often does the menstrual cycle happen?

  Approximately every 28 days
• What is released from the ovaries during each cycle?

  An egg cell
• What happens to the uterus wall during the menstrual cycle?

  It thickens by filling with blood capillaries
• Why does the uterus wall thicken?

  To prepare for a potential pregnancy
• What occurs if the egg is fertilized?

  A pregnancy may occur
• What happens if the egg is not fertilized?

  The egg dies and menstruation occurs
• What is expelled from the body during menstruation?

  The dead egg cell and old uterus lining
• What is the term used for the process of expelling the dead egg cell and old uterus lining?

  Menstruation
• What is commonly referred to as a "period"?

  The process of menstruation
• What does FSH stimulate in the ovaries?

  Egg maturation
• How does rising oestrogen affect FSH levels?

  It inhibits the release of FSH
• What is the effect of oestrogen on egg maturation?

  Prevents more than one egg maturing
• What triggers the release of LH?

  Rising levels of oestrogen
• What occurs at about day 14 of the menstrual cycle?

  Ovulation
• What happens to the empty follicle after ovulation?

  It becomes the corpus luteum
• What hormone does the corpus luteum produce?

  Progesterone
• What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

  Inhibits the release of FSH and LH
• How does high progesterone affect the uterus?

  Helps maintain the lining of the uterus
• What triggers menstruation if fertilization does not occur?

  Falling levels of progesterone and oestrogen
• What effect does oestrogen have on FSH production?

  Stops FSH production
• What does FSH cause in the ovaries?

  Egg maturation
• What effect does progesterone have on the uterine lining?

  Causes it to thicken