Menstrual cycle

• 1. The Pituitary gland produces FSH which stimulates follicle development in the ovaries and egg maturity.
• 2. The follicles produce oestrogen which causes the growth of the uterus' lining and then inhibits FSH production.
• 3. High oestrogen levels acts as a ovulation trigger to stimulate LH to release the egg at around day 14.
• 4. Corpus Luteum is formed from the follicle and produces progesterone.
• 5. Progesterone maintains the uterus' lining thickness in preparation for fertilisation.
• 6. Corpus luteum breaks down and progesterone levels drop, which breaks down the lining of the uterus causing menstruation to begin.
• 7. If fertilisation does occur, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone which maintains the lining of the uterus.
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and causes the maturation of the egg in the ovary and stimulates follicle development.
• LH (luteinizing hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of an egg from the ovary.
• Oestrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries and causes the growth of the uterus lining and ovulation.
• Progesterone is produced by an empty egg follicle called corpus luteum and maintains the lining of the uterus.