Females

• Main female reproductive hormone

  Oestrogen, produced by the ovaries
• Rising oestrogen levels


  Trigger the development of female secondary sexual characteristics ages 8-14
• Main changes during puberty

  • Growth spurt
  • Underarm hair
  • Pubic hair
  • Breast development
  • External genitalia grow
  • Skin darkens
  • Fat deposited on hips, buttocks & thighs
  • Brain changes/matures
  • Menstruation begins
• Menstrual cycle


  1. Eggs mature in the ovary each month

  2. Uterus produces a thickened lining for pregnancy

  3. Every 28 days a mature egg is released (ovulation)

  4. If egg not fertilised, the lining of the uterus is shed along with the egg
• Hormones involved in the menstrual cycle

  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - causes eggs in ovary to mature
  • Luteinising hormone (LH) - stimulates the release of the egg at ovulation
  • Oestrogen and progesterone - stimulate the build-up and maintenance of the uterus lining
• Ovaries of a baby girl contain all the eggs she will ever have
• After puberty, eggs mature and are released every month
• Eventually the supply of eggs runs out and the woman goes through menopause