The menstrual cycle

Question 1

When does ovulation occur?

Answer 1

14 days before the next menses

Question 2

When does the LH surge occur in reference to ovulation?

Answer 2

LH surge occurs 24-36 hours prior to ovulation

Question 3

Changes in the endometrium in the luteal phase are direct effects of which hormone?

Answer 3

Progesterone

Question 4

Describe NORMAL menstrual loss

Answer 4

4-6 days, flow peaks at day 1-2
<80ml of blood lost
No clots
No flooding

Question 5

Describe the normal menstrual cycle

Answer 5

28 day cycle (or somewhere between 21-35 days)

No intermittent bleeding or bleeding after sex

Question 6

What happens in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 6

Pituitary releases LH and FSH

Follicle develops

Granulosa cells around the egg release oestrogen

Oestrogen causes thickening of the endometrium

Question 7

What happens during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 7

Starts after ovulation

Empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum

Corpus luteum produces progesterone

Question 8

What does LH do?

Answer 8

LH acts on theca cells to produce androgens

(This is then converted to oestrogen by aromatase which is released from granulosa cells by the action of FSH)

Low LH levels cause theca cells to produce progesterone

Question 9

What does FSH do?

Answer 9

FSH acts on granulosa cells to produce aromatase which converts androgens to oestrogen