Menstrual Cycle

• The luteal phase is the third phase of the menstrual cycle, during which the uterine lining thickens in preparation for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Amenorrhea is when periods stop or never start.
• Menarche refers to the first period, which usually occurs between ages 10-16 years old.
• The luteal phase represents the conversion of the ovarian follicle into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for implantation.
• The ovulation phase involves the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• The menstrual cycle is the monthly process that prepares an egg to be fertilized.
• The follicular phase is the first phase of the menstrual cycle and is marked by the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
• <L>Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone that triggers ovulation and the release of a mature egg from the ovary.<:L>
• Progesterone is a hormone that helps maintain the uterine lining during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
• During this time, estrogen levels decrease while progesterone levels increase to maintain the endometrium.
• Menstruation typically lasts from 3-7 days and involves the loss of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus through the vagina.
• If no fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum breaks down and hormonal changes trigger the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation).
• Oligomenorrhea is infrequent periods (less than every three months).
• Polymenorrhea is frequent periods (more often than once per month).
• Menorrhagia is heavy bleeding that lasts longer than seven days.
• Ovulation is the release of an ovum from one of the ovaries into the fallopian tube.
• Pregnancy begins at conception (fertilization) and lasts approximately 40 weeks.
• Fertile window is the time frame around ovulation where pregnancy can occur if sperm meets egg.
• If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and estrogen levels decrease, leading to shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining) through menstruation.
• FSH stimulates the growth of a dominant follicle in one of the ovaries.
• Fertilization can only occur if sperm are present in the vagina at the time of ovulation.