REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES

AND
HORMONAL
REGULATION
 MENSTRUAL CYCLE

• The menstrual cycle is the monthly natural

changes in the female reproductive system in
preparation for a possible pregnancy each month.

• Menstruation (also called period) is the process by

which the inner lining of the uterus is shed and
released outside the body through the vagina.
 MENSTRUAL CYCLE

•The average duration of the menstrual cycle is 28

days, with the most common durations occurring
between 21 - 35 days.

•The ovarian cycle describes the development of

ovarian follicles and ovulation, whereas the uterine
cycle describes the cyclic changes in the
 THE OVARIAN CYCLE
•The ovarian cycle is divided into
two phase follicular and luteal.

•The follicular phase is the first half

of the ovarian cycle that occurs
during the 14 days of the menstrual
cycle.

•The folliculogenesis or the

development of ovarian follicles.
 THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
•The luteal phase is the second half
of the ovarian cycle that occurs
during day 14 to day 28 of the
menstrual cycle.
•The corpus luteum produces high
amounts of progesterone which
stimulates the endometrium to
thicken in preparation for
implantation.
 THE OVARIAN CYCLE

• If fertilization does not take place, the corpus

luteum degenerates and forms the corpus
albicans, the white fibrous scar that remains in
the ovary for a few months.
 THE UTERINE CYCLE

•The uterine cycle is divided into three phases: menses,

proliferative, and secretory.

•The uterine cycle begins with menses phase, during which the
stratum functionalis is shed.
 THE UTERINE CYCLE

•It is then followed by the proliferative phase, during which

the increase in estrogen levels in the blood causes the
growth and regeneration of the endometrium.
 THE UTERINE CYCLE

•The last phase of the uterine cycle is the secretory phase, which
begins at ovulation and ends when the menstruation begins.
 PHASES OF
MENSTRUAL CYCLE