MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Menstrual Cycle Lecture

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• Describe the physiology change in the ovaries, uterus, and cervix that
occur during the menstrual cycle

• Explain the physiological pathway of the hypothalamic-pituitary–ovaries axis and

their relationship to the normal menstrual cycle
Definition and Purpose

 Menstrual Cycle defined as the recurring cycle of physiological

changes in the uterus, ovaries, and other sexual structures that occur
from the beginning of one menstrual period through the beginning of
the next.
 Purpose of the Menstrual Cycle: is to release an egg for potential
fertilization (from the ovary) so it can implant into the endometrium…
hence help develop a baby. If this doesn’t happen, the 28 day
cycle starts.
TWO STRUCTURES OF THE WOMAN’S CYCLE

Two structures that play a vital role in the woman’s cycle:

Ovary & Uterus (they work together)
Each structure has three cycles
(and these cycles correspond with each other)
 Menstrual Cycle Phases
as a typical every 28 days
Ovarian Changes
(phases)

Ovulation
Follicular Phase Luteal Phase
Phase
(day 1-13) (Day 15-28)
(Day 14)
rine Changes
(Phases)

Menstrual
Proliferative Phase Secretory Phase
Phase
(Day 7-14) (Day 15-28)
(Day 1-6)
Day 1 Day 14 Day 28
 Follicular Phase Ovulation Luteal Phase
(day 1-13) Phase (Day 15-28)
Ovarian Changes
(Day 14)
(phases)

Menstrual Cycle Phases

Menstrual Proliferative Phase Secretory Phase
Phase (Day 7-14) (Day 15-28)
(Day 1-6)
rine Changes
(Phases)

Day 1 Day 14 Day 28

FOLLICULAR PHASE (DAY 1-13)

Goal: Prepare a follicle to release a mature egg (ovum).

Negative Feedback

Positive Feedback
Follicles ……………Growing and Maturating………………. Graafian Follicle
Estrogen
Hormone
Ovaries
FOLLICULAR PHASE (DAY 1-13)

Goal: Prepare a follicle to release a mature egg (ovum).

Negative Feedback loop

Positive Feedback loop

Follicles ……………Growing and Maturating………………. Graafian Follicle
Estrogen
Hormone
Ovaries
 OVULATION PHASE (DAY 14)

The egg is
released from
the ovary.
24-36
hours after the LH
surge the ovary will
release the ovum
LUTEAL PHASE (DAY 15-28)

Goal:
Prepare the
endometrium for
a potential
fertilized egg
Progesterone Hormone
Estrogen Hormone
MENSTRUAL PHASE (DAY 1-6)

Goal:
Shed the
stratum
functionalis
layer of the
endometrium
PROLIFERATIVE PHASE (DAY 7-14)

Goal:
Rebuild the stratum
functionalis layer that
was just shed during
the menstrual phase.
SECRETORY PHASE (DAY 15-28)

Goal:
Endometrium is
receptive to the
implantation of
a fertilized
ovum.
ROLE OF PROGESTERONE

1. Stimulates estrogen production.

2. Allows the endometrium to receive the fertilized ovum for
implantation.
3. Stops production of LH and FSH (so possible pregnancy can be
maintained) and estrogen inhibits the hypothalamus from releasing
GnRH.