Menstrual Cycle

• What is the menstrual cycle?

  Recurring process prepares uterus lining for pregnancy
• How long does the menstrual cycle last?

  28 days
• What happens on days 1-5?

  Menstruation - lining of uterus breaks down - passing through vagina
• What happens on days 5-14?

  Egg cells start to mature in ovary

  Lining of uterus builds up again
• What happens on day 14?

  Ovulation - release of eggs from ovaries
• What happens on days 14-28?

  Fertilisation occurs - fertilised egg cells implant in uterus lining - lining remains thick - cycle stops
• What happens on day 28?

  Fertilisation doesn’t occur - uterus lining begins to break - cycle repeats
• What does Oestrogen do?

  Thickens lining of the uterus
• What does Progesterone do?

  Maintains the thickness of uterus lining