Feedback Mechanisms

Involved in Regulating
Processes in the Female
Reproductive System
Objective

Describe the feedback mechanisms involved in

regulating processes in the female reproductive
system (e.g., menstrual cycle) (S10LT-IIIc-35).
 Important terms
Menstruation
The process in which blood and
other tissues are shed from the
uterus and leave the body
through the vagina.
Menarche
Onset of menstruation, normally
occurs between ages 11-15
Menopause
Normally occurs between ages
45-55
Menstrual Cycle
 Menstrual Cycle
1. Flow / Menstruation Phase (Days 1-5)

✓Endometrium is shed; follicle

growth in ovary

✓Estrogen and Progesterone

levels are low
 Menstrual Cycle

2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-13)

✓Follicles grow and mature
→ Secrete Estrogen

Stimulates LH
Endometrium
thickens
 Menstrual Cycle
3. Ovulation (Day 14)
✓LH peaks causing secondary
oocyte to burst from the follicle
in the ovary into oviduct.
 Menstrual Cycle
4. Luteal Phase (Day 15-28)
✓LH causes corpus Luteum to
develop from follicle
→ Corpus Luteum secretes
Estrogen and Progesterone
Endometrium thickens
and maintained Inhibits LH
(progesterone prevents and FSH
contractions)
Feedback Mechanism
Feedback Mechanism
Feedback Mechanism

What is the positive feedback mechanism of the female

reproductive system?
The release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary
gland during labor is an example of positive
feedback mechanism.
Feedback Mechanism

What is the negative feedback mechanism of the female

reproductive system?
During most of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and
progesterone provide negative feedback to the
hypothalamus and pituitary gland.