THE MENSTRUAL

CYCLE
Done by: Seara, Bethany and Khush
Y11N
 What is menstruation?
Menstruation: This is the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium)

This cycle is necessary for the production of ova (eggs) and the preparation of the
uterus for pregnancy.
 Syllabus Content
01 02 03

Describe the Describe the sites of Explain the role of

menstrual cycle in production of hormones in controlling
oestrogen and the menstrual cycle and
terms of changes in pregnancy, limited to
the ovaries and in the progesterone in the
FSH, LH, progesterone
lining of the uterus menstrual cycle
and oestrogen
 • The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases-
menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulatory phase
and luteal phase.
• Menstrual phase- day 1, uterus lining which is
prepared for implantation starts to shed which lasts 3
to 5 days.
Describe the
menstrual cycle in • Follicular phase- in this phase, the primary follicle
terms of changes in starts developing into a mature Graffian follicle. The
endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) also
the ovaries and in starts proliferating. The uterus starts preparation for
the lining of the another pregnancy.
uterus
• Ovulatory phase- mid-cycle phase, this is the phase
in which ovulation takes place i.e., day 13-17. The end
of the follicular phase along with the ovulation period
defines the fertilization period.
• Luteal phase- It is the post-ovulation phase, where
the fate of the corpus luteum is decided. If
fertilization occurs, pregnancy starts. If fertilization
doesn’t occur, it marks the onset of another cycle.
Uterus lining and ovarian cycle
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are secreted
by the anterior pituitary. The secretion of FSH and LH gradually increases during
the follicular phase. They stimulate the development of follicles and the release
of estrogen from them.
• Progesterone and oestrogen are secreted by the corpus luteum (an endocrine
gland within the ovaries).
• Estrogen stimulates the rapid increase of the endometrium. (Follicular phase)
• LH induces ovulation (Ovulatory phase) so there is a sudden surge in LH level
just before ovulation.
• After ovulation, the ruptured follicle develops into the corpus luteum, which
secretes progesterone, hence the level of progesterone increases in the luteal
phase.
• Progesterone is required for the maintenance of the endometrium for
implantation.(Luteal phase)
• In the absence of fertilization, corpus luteum regresses and progesterone level
decreases. This leads to the disintegration of the endometrium and menstrual
flow occurs.(Menstrual phase)
• Estrogen levels peak before progesterone
because of the development of follicles
which release the hormone.
• After the corpus luteum is gone, estrogen
and progesterone levels decrease.
• The menstrual cycle is complex and controlled by many
different glands and the hormones that these glands produce.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is synthesized and
secreted by the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary
gland, and regulates the development, growth, pubertal
maturation, and reproductive processes of the body.
• In females an acute rise of luteinizing hormone (LH) (LH
surge) triggers ovulation and development of the corpus
luteum.
• Estrogen, or oestrogen, is the primary female sex hormone. It
is responsible for the development and regulation of the
female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
• If a fertilized egg implants in the uterine
wall, progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining
throughout pregnancy. Progesterone is necessary for breast
development and breastfeeding. It complements some effects
of estrogen, another female hormone. It also works with
testosterone, the precursor for adrenal hormones.
Thank you!