THE IMPORTANT FEMALE HORMONES

FEMALE HORMONE LOCATION FUNCTION

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) PITUITARY GLAND Stimulates ovulation;
Develops and maintains
corpus luteum
FSH (Follicle Stimulating PITUITARY GLAND Stimulates the formation
Hormone)
of follicles in the ovary
ESTROGEN FOLLICLES/OVARY Responsible for the
Secondary female
characteristics; thickens
the endometrium.
PROGESTERONE CORPUS LUTEUM/ Stimulates the
OVARY
endometrium; inhibits
Uterine contractions and ovulation.

What are the important events during the menstrual cycle?

The following summarizes the major events that occur during the menstrual cycle.
1.The pituitary gland controls and starts the cycle.
2. The pituitary gland releases hormones that cause the egg in the ovary
to mature. The luteinizing hormone (LH) initiates the maturation of the
follicles, converts ruptured follicles into corpus luteum and causes the
secretion of progesterone. The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) assists
in the maturation of the follicles and causes the secretion of estrogen from
the follicles.
3. Meanwhile, the ovary itself releases a hormone called estrogen, which
causes the uterine lining to increase in thickness. The uterine lining
becomes thicker so that the fertilized egg can attach to it.
4. The ovary releases an egg on day 14. Assume that no sperm is present.
5. The egg moves through the oviduct and enters the uterus.
6. Meanwhile the uterine lining continues to thicken.
7. The egg has not been fertilized; therefore, it will not attach to the uterus.
8. The thick uterine lining is no longer necessary, so the cells of the
thickened uterine lining break off and leave the vagina. The unfertilized
egg is lost and some blood is lost too. This loss of cells from the uterine
lining, blood, and egg is called menstruation.
9. After menstruation, the cycle starts again.
Phases of Menstrual Cycle

1.Menses Phase: This phase begins on the first day of menstruation

and typically
lasts until the 5th day of the cycle. During the menstrual phase, the
uterus sheds soft tissue and blood vessels from its inner lining.

2.Follicular Phase: The follicular stage also begins on the first day of
menstruation but doesn’t end until around day 13, or when ovulation
starts. During the follicular phase, the pituitary releases a hormone that
stimulates egg cells to grow in the ovaries.

3.Ovulation Phase: Around the 14th day of the cycle, ovulation occurs.
The pituitary gland secretes the luteinizing hormone (LH) that causes
the release of the matured egg cell from the ovary. The egg cell then
travels to the fallopian tube.

4.Luteal Phase: The luteal phase begins around day 15 and lasts until
the end of the cycle. During this phase, the egg cell stays in the
fallopian tube for 24 hours. If sperm cell fails to impregnate the egg
during this time, the egg cell disintegrates. When the hormone used to
retain the endometrium runs out, a new menstrual cycle begins.
A. Estrogen rises, uterus lining begins to build up
B. Uterus lining continues to thicken. If ovum remains unfertilized,
uterus contracts in readiness to shed the built-up layer
C. Uterus lining breaks down causing your period
D. Estrogen peaks, ovulation occurs.

GUIDE QUESTIONS
Q4. How long is one menstrual cycle?
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Q5. On which day of the menstrual cycle does the period start?
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Q6. Why does the lining of the uterine thicken?

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Q7. What happens to the lining of the uterus if an egg is not fertilized?
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