Lesson 7

THE
MENSTRUAL
CYCLE
 When hormones are released from the pituitary
gland, they stimulate the ovary and the uterus to serve
their functions.
The changes in the lining of the uterus are part of
the uterine cycle. It is what you refer to as the period.
 This is monthly cycle of events that happens to a female
body.
The length of the cycle varies – it can range from 24 to
35 days, but the average is 28 days.
Ovarian and Uterine Cycles

The ovarian cycle is The Uterine Cycle

composed of four coordinates with the
distinct phases.
ovarian cycle. It has
1.Follicular three distinct phases.
2.Ovulatory 1.Proliferative
3.Luteal 2.Secretory
4.Menstrual phases. 3.Menstrual flow
Follicular Phase and Proliferative Phase
Follicular phase is where follicles undergo development.
The follicle is where the egg cell is found.
During this phase, the pituitary gland in the brain
releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Its role is to stimulate several follicles to develop.
Only one follicle will reach maturity.
Increasing levels of estrogen is released by the
ovaries toward the end of the follicular phase.

The result would be an initial thickening of the

uterus in preparation for possible pregnancy.

The start of the thickening of the uterus marks

the proliferative phase of the urine cycle.
Ovulatory Phase

The main event during the ovulatory phase is ovulation.

Ovulation is the process where the ovary bursts,
releasing the egg.
This process occurs around day 14 of the cycle.
This event is triggered by the release of the luteinizing
hormone (LH)
Luteal Phase and Secretory Phase
After ovulation, the ruptured follicle continues to
secrete progesterone, making the uterus thicken even
further.
The secretion of the progesterone prepares the uterus
for the possible embryonic development.
A nutrient fluid is released by the glands. This is
secreted even before the possible embryo attaches to
the uterine lining.
This event is called the secretory phase.
Menstrual Phase

There are two possible events after the luteal phase:

1. The egg can be fertilized by a sperm cell

2. If the egg is not fertilized, the ruptured follicle will
be disrupted.
Low levels of these two hormones indicate that there will
be no hormone creating the thickness of uterus.

So uterus lining will slough off, resulting in menstruation.

The first day of a female’s monthly period marks the start

of the first day of the menstrual cycle.
Fertilization

• Is the union of sperm and egg cells, which occurs in

humans and most animals and plants that undergo sexual
reproduction.
• An egg is usually fertilized in the fallopian tube and
implanted in the uterus.
• A man releases millions of sperm cells, but only one
successful sperm can fertilize the egg.
Zygote is the term for a fertilized egg.
The zygote continues its development in the
uterus where it will stay for nine months as it
develops into baby.
The term pregnancy or gestation is used to
describe the period from fertilization to birth.
Premenstrual syndrome – is a condition that
affects woman’s emotions, physical health, or behavior
days before the start of her monthly period.