Menstrual cycle

• Menstrual cycle


  The menstrual cycle is a series of events that occur in the ovaries and uterus every 28 days from puberty to menopause if fertilisation has not occurred.
• Menstruation


  The shedding of the unfertilised egg and endometrium on days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle.
• Ovulation


  The release of the mature egg from the Graafian follicle at the surface of the ovary and into the fallopian tube on day 14 of the menstrual cycle.
• Fertile period


  The time during the menstrual cycle when fertilisation is most likely to occur.
• Hormones used in the menstrual cycle

  Oestrogen, Progesterone, FSH, LH
• Function of oestrogen


  Thickens the endometrium.

  Inhibits FSH.

  Stimulates LH.
• Function of progesterone


  Inhibits LH.

  Maintains the endometrium.
• Where is oestrogen produced?

  Graafian follicle
• Where is progesterone produced?


  Corpus luteum/ovaries
• FSH


  Produces the follicle cells in the ovary, where meiosis takes place.
• LH


  Stimulates ovulation.

  Stimulates Graafian follicle to develop into corpus luteum.
• Endometriosis


  The endometrium grows outside the uterus in places such as the bladder and the fallopian tubes. Causes extreme pain and cysts
• Treatment for endometriosis


  Surgery, HRT