The Menstrual

Cycle
 Lesson Objectives
1.Define the menstrual cycle
2.State the importance of the menstrual cycle
3.List the hormones that control the
menstrual cycle
4.describes the activities that take place in
the ovary and uterus during the cycle.
5.Name the two ovarian hormones.
• Menstrual Cycle • A repeating series of changes in the
lining of the uterus or
ENDOMETRIUM in preparation of
uterus receiving a fertilized egg is called
the MENSTRUAL CYCLE

• the menstrual cycle begins at puberty &

lasts 30-40 years until MENOPAUSE
when hormones change & egg
production stops

• this cycle repeats

“APPROXIMATELY” every 28 days
• 3 Phases of the 1. Menses
Menstrual Cycle
2. Proliferative stage

3. Secretory Phase

Secretory Phase Menses

Proliferative Phase
• MENSES • begins with the shedding of the lining
of the uterus
• tissue, cells, blood, etc., are passed
from uterus to outside of body

• this phase lasts an “AVERAGE” of

5 days
• PROLIFERATIVE • as MENSES ends the uterus is
PHASE repaired and prepared for
receiving another egg

• ovulation occurs around day 14

and the egg begins its journey to
the uterus
• the hormones FSH & LH play a
large role in when and how this
happens
• SECRETORY PHASE • lasts from day 15 to 28
(APPROXIMATELY)

• phase is named for the CORPUS

LUTEUM which produces
ESTROGEN &
PROGESTERONE
• if the egg is not fertilized (NO
PREGNANCY) the hypothalamus
signals to stop producing FSH &
LH

• as hormone levels drop the lining

of the uterus begins to shed & the
cycle starts again