puberty and the menstrual cycle

• What is released monthly from a woman's ovary?

  An egg
• What triggers secondary sexual characteristics at puberty?

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

  Testosterone
• What role does testosterone play in men?

  Involved in sperm production
• What is the main reproductive hormone in women?

  Oestrogen
• Besides physical changes, what else does oestrogen influence?

  Involved in the menstrual cycle
• What are the four stages of the menstrual cycle?

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

  Menstruation starts
• How long does menstruation last?

  About four days
• What occurs from Day 4 to Day 14 of the menstrual cycle?

  The uterus lining builds up
• What is the purpose of the thick spongy layer formed in the uterus?

  Ready to receive a fertilised egg
• What is ovulation?

  Release of an egg from the ovary
• What happens if no fertilised egg lands on the uterus wall by Day 28?

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

  1. FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
  2. Oestrogen
  3. LH (Luteinising Hormone)
  4. Progesterone
• Where is FSH produced?

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

  Matures an egg in the ovary
• What does oestrogen do in the menstrual cycle?

  Causes the lining of the uterus to grow
• What does oestrogen inhibit in the menstrual cycle?

  Release of FSH
• What does LH stimulate in the menstrual cycle?

  Release of an egg at day 14
• What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

  Maintains the lining of the uterus
• What happens when the level of progesterone falls?

  The lining breaks down
• What does progesterone inhibit in the menstrual cycle?

  Release of LH and FSH
• Why is it important to understand the menstrual cycle graph?

  • Shows hormone levels throughout the cycle
  • Illustrates the timing of ovulation
  • Helps in understanding menstrual cycle regulation