Menstrual cycle Flashcards
what is the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that make pregnancy possible
how long does the menstrual cycle last
4 weeks
what is menstruation
the breakdown of the uterus lining
what are 2 hormones that control the menstrual cycle
progesterone and oestrogen
FSH and LH
what is ovulation
where a new egg is released from an ovary
what is special about days 14 - 16 of the menstrual cycle
it is where fertilisation is most likely to take place
give what happens in the menstrual cycle in order
week 1 - menstruation
week 2 - uterus lining builds up
week 3 - ovulation
week 4 - lining continues to build up
what is contraception
is the prevention of fertilisation which can be hormonal contraception or barrier methods
why are barrier methods better
as they prevent STDs
what does FSH do
stimulates the growth and saturation of follicles that contain eggs
what does LH do
triggers ovulation where the egg is released
what is released as follicles mature
oestrogen
what 2 things does oestrogen do
inhibits further FFSH production and thickens the uterus lining
what causes a surge in LH
high oestrogen levels
what do you call a ruptured follicle
corpus luteum
