Process of Menstruation

Question 1

The Menstrual Cycle

Answer 1

1. The brain releases FSH into the bloodstream
2. FSH reaches the ovary and signals for it to begin developing follicles
3. The developing follicles produce estrogen and release it into the bloodstream
4. Estrogen reaches the uterus and the brain
5. The uterine lining begins to thicken and the brain produces and releases LH into the bloodstream
6. LH reaches the ovary and causes a mature follicle to release an egg. (ovulation)
7. Once the egg is released, LH signals the empty follicle to develop into the corpus luteum
8. Once the corpus luteum begins to disintegrate, the progesterone level in the body decreases
9. Progesterone reaches the uterus and the brain, thickening the endometrium more. The brain stops producing FSH and LH to stop another egg from being released.
10. The thick endometrium breaks down and must be shed from the body along with the unfertilized egg in a process called menstruation
11. Once the progesterone level has decreased enough, it tells the brain to begin releasing FSh again