4 Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the purpose of the female reproductive cycle?
Prepares the body for potential pregnancy
It involves a series of hormonal and physiological changes.
How many main phases are there in the menstrual cycle?
Three main phases
The phases are Menstrual Phase, Follicular Phase, and Luteal Phase.
What characterizes the Menstrual Phase?
Shedding of the uterine lining and menstrual bleeding
Occurs during Days 1-5 of the cycle.
What hormones are low during the Menstrual Phase?
Estrogen and progesterone
This phase marks the start of the menstrual cycle.
What hormone stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles during the Follicular Phase?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
This phase lasts from Days 1-14.
What happens around Day 14 of the menstrual cycle?
Ovulation occurs
Triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).
What is the most fertile period of the menstrual cycle?
Around Day 14 during ovulation
This is when the mature follicle releases an egg.
What transforms into the corpus luteum during the Luteal Phase?
The ruptured follicle
This phase lasts from Days 15-28.
What hormone increases during the Luteal Phase to maintain the uterine lining?
Progesterone
If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop.
What regulates the menstrual cycle through a feedback mechanism?
FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, and estrogen and progesterone from the ovaries
Hormonal regulation is crucial for the cycle.
What happens to the endometrium during the Follicular Phase?
It thickens
Becomes receptive to implantation during the Luteal Phase.
What is amenorrhea?
Absence of menstruation
It can be classified as primary or secondary.
What is menorrhagia?
Abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding
Most common cause is benign fibroids.
What does hypomenorrhea refer to?
Scanty flow
It is a menstrual disorder.
What causes dysmenorrhea?
Painful menstruation due to accumulation of prostaglandins
Treatment involves inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis.
What is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea?
Pregnancy
It can also be caused by emotional stimuli and environmental changes.
What are some causes of secondary amenorrhea?
- Pregnancy
- Emotional stimuli
- Hypothalamic diseases
- Pituitary disorders
- Primary ovarian disorders
- Systemic diseases
These can lead to cessation of cycles in women with previously normal periods.
Why is knowledge of the female reproductive cycle vital?
Essential for understanding fertility and reproductive health
Regular monitoring can help detect and address menstrual disorders.
