Puberty and the Menstrual Cycle

• What triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty?

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

  Testosterone
• What does testosterone stimulate in men?

  Sperm production
• What is the main reproductive hormone in women?

  Oestrogen
• What are the stages of the menstrual cycle?

  1. Menstruation starts (Day 1)
  2. Uterus lining builds up (Day 4)
  3. Ovulation occurs (Day 14)
  4. Uterus lining maintained or breaks down (Day 28)
• What happens during Stage 1 of the menstrual cycle?

  Menstruation starts; uterus lining breaks down
• What occurs during Stage 2 of the menstrual cycle?

  Uterus lining builds up into a thick spongy layer
• What is ovulation?

  Release of an egg from the ovary
• What happens during Stage 4 of the menstrual cycle if no fertilised egg lands on the wall?

  The lining breaks down and the cycle starts again
• What does FSH stand for?

  Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
• What is the role of FSH in the menstrual cycle?

  Causes an egg to mature in an ovary
• What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

  Maintains the uterus lining
• What does oestrogen do in the menstrual cycle?

  Causes the uterus lining to grow
• What is the function of LH in the menstrual cycle?

  Stimulates ovulation
• What hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle and their functions?

  • FSH: Causes egg maturation
  • LH: Stimulates ovulation
  • Oestrogen: Causes uterus lining to grow
  • Progesterone: Maintains uterus lining