A01

• What regulates ovulation in the menstrual cycle?

  Monthly changes in hormone levels
• What does the menstrual cycle refer to?

  Time from period start to next period
• How long does a typical menstrual cycle take?

  Approximately 28 days
• What is considered a normal range for menstrual cycle length?

  24 to 35 days
• What hormone causes the ovary to develop an egg?

  Oestrogen
• What happens after ovulation in the menstrual cycle?

  Progesterone thickens the womb lining
• What occurs if pregnancy does not happen after ovulation?

  The egg is absorbed and menstrual flow occurs
• How does the menstrual cycle synchronize among women?

  • Influenced by exogenous factors
  • Evidence from pheromone studies
  • Study by Stern and McClintock (1998)
• How many women were studied by Stern and McClintock?

  29 women
• What method was used to gather pheromones in the study?

  Cotton pads placed in armpits
• How long were the pheromone pads worn?

  At least 8 hours
• What was done to the pheromone pads after collection?

  Treated with alcohol and frozen
• What was the outcome for 68% of women in the study?

  Cycles changed closer to their odour donor
• What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

  A depressive disorder with seasonal onset
• What are the main symptoms of SAD?

  Persistent low mood and lack of interest
• What nickname is often given to SAD?

  Winter blues
• What type of rhythm is SAD classified as?

  Circannual rhythm
• How can SAD also be classified as a circadian rhythm?

  Due to disruption of sleep/wake cycle
• What hormone is hypothesized to be involved in SAD?

  Melatonin
• When does the pineal gland secrete melatonin?

  During the night until dawn
• What effect does prolonged darkness in winter have on melatonin secretion?

  It continues for longer
• How does melatonin affect serotonin production?

  It has a knock-on effect on serotonin
• What is serotonin linked to in the context of SAD?

  Onset of depressive symptoms