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Questions and Answers
What event marks the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle if pregnancy does not occur?
What event marks the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle if pregnancy does not occur?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the maturation of ovum in the follicles?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the maturation of ovum in the follicles?
During which phase of the ovarian cycle does the Graafian follicle secrete estrogen?
During which phase of the ovarian cycle does the Graafian follicle secrete estrogen?
What is the typical duration of menstrual bleeding during the menstrual cycle?
What is the typical duration of menstrual bleeding during the menstrual cycle?
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Which hormone's rise causes the secretion of large amounts of estrogen that ultimately depresses FSH secretion before ovulation?
Which hormone's rise causes the secretion of large amounts of estrogen that ultimately depresses FSH secretion before ovulation?
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What marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle?
What marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle?
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What is the main hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase?
What is the main hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase?
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What occurs if the oocyte is not fertilized after ovulation?
What occurs if the oocyte is not fertilized after ovulation?
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During which phase does the endometrium thicken in preparation for potential implantation?
During which phase does the endometrium thicken in preparation for potential implantation?
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What happens to FSH and LH levels during the luteal phase?
What happens to FSH and LH levels during the luteal phase?
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Study Notes
Menstrual Cycle Overview
- The female reproductive cycle is called the menstrual cycle because menstruation marks the beginning and end of each cycle if pregnancy does not occur.
Definition
- Menarche: The start of menstruation, resulting in bodily changes in females.
- Menstrual cycle: Cyclic and regular changes in anterior pituitary secretions, ovaries, uterine endometrium, and cervical mucus.
Menstrual Cycle Facts
- Average age of onset: 12-13 years old (range of 9-17).
- Cycle interval: 28 days (range of 21 to 35 days).
- Cycle duration: 3-7 days.
- Menstrual bleeding amount: Varies between women (25-50 ml).
- Blood color: Can range from bright red to dark.
Menstrual Cycle Symptoms
- Women may experience fluid retention, cramping, mood swings, weight gain, breast tenderness, diarrhea, and constipation.
Hormone Control
- The menstrual cycle is controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis.
- The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), stimulating the pituitary gland.
Pituitary Hormones
- The pituitary gland produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Stimulates ovum maturation in ovarian follicles.
- Promotes estrogen production in the ovaries.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Stimulates the release of mature ova.
- Promotes the development of the corpus luteum, a progesterone-secreting part of the follicle.
Negative Feedback Mechanism
- Hormones are secreted until the stimulated organ secretes a hormone that reduces the secretion of the first hormone.
Example of Negative Feedback
- The mature follicle secretes a large amount of estrogen, decreasing FSH secretion.
- The dip in FSH before ovulation prevents further development of other follicles.
Components of the Menstrual Cycle
- Ovarian cycle: Comprised of follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases.
- Endometrial cycle: (changes in the uterine lining) Comprised of menstrual, proliferative, secretory, and ischemic phases.
Ovarian Cycle Phases
- Follicular phase: Primordial follicles begin to grow under FSH stimulation. Only one matures (Graafian follicle) and secretes estrogen. It starts with menstruation and lasts about 14 days in a 28-day cycle.
- Ovulatory phase: The mature ovum is expelled(ovulation) from the ruptured Graafian follicle. The ovum is collected by the fimbria of the fallopian tube. This typically occurs approximately 14 days into the cycle.
- Luteal phase: The ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum. This structure secretes progesterone and some estrogen. These hormones prepare the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized ovum (blastocyst). If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum remains active for 20 weeks. If not, it degenerates in 10-12 days.
Ovarian Cycle Details
- FSH and LH trigger cyclic changes within the ovaries.
Endometrial Cycle Phases
- Menstrual phase: The functional layer of the uterine lining is shed. Days 1-5
- Proliferative phase: The endometrium repairs and thickens under estrogen influence. Days 6-14
- Secretory phase: The endometrium prepares for potential implantation with progesterone and estrogen. Days 15-28
- Ischemic phase: The endometrium begins to break down if fertilization doesn't occur, leading to menstruation. Days 28-1
Menstrual Phase Details
- Starts on day 1 of the cycle.
- Lasts about 4-5 days.
- The functional layer of the uterine lining is dislodged and shed.
- The deeper portion of the uterine lining, the decidua basalis, regenerates after each menstrual cycle.
- Blood discharged from the vagina mixes with small pieces of endometrial tissue.
Proliferative Phase Details
- A repair and proliferation phase.
- Lasts 9 days.
- Controlled by estrogen secreted by follicles.
- The endometrium thickens 2-3mm.
- The endometrial glands increase in number and length, and the spiral arteries develop.
Secretory Phase Details
- Begins with ovulation, ending with menstruation.
- Lasts around 12 days.
- Spiral arteries extend into the superficial layer.
- A large venous network forms.
Fertilization
- If fertilization occurs, the fertilized ovum implants in the endometrium around day 6 of the secretory phase.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is secreted to maintain the corpus luteum, ensuring continued production of estrogen and progesterone.
No Fertilization
- If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates.
- Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease.
- The secretory endometrium enters the ischemic phase.
- Menstruation occurs.
Ischemic Phase Details
- Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels trigger menstruation.
- Marked endometrium shrinking occurs.
- Spiral arteries become constricted.
- Venous stasis and ischemic necrosis happen.
- Damaged vessel walls rupture.
- This phase happens about 2 days before menstruation.
Changes in Cervical Mucus
- During most of the cycle, cervical mucus is scant, thick, and sticky.
- Before ovulation, the mucus becomes thin, clear, and elastic to aid sperm passage.
Nursing Role
- Provide education on sanitary products (pads and tampons).
- Emphasize handwashing before and after perineal care.
- Advise on perineal hygiene (front-to-back).
- Recommend hygiene habits.
Diet
- Decrease caffeine (tea, coffee, chocolate) intake to reduce anxiety.
- Reduce simple sugar intake.
- Decrease salty food intake to reduce fluid retention.
- Avoid alcohol as it can exacerbate depression.
Nutritional Self-Care
- Vitamin B complex balances excess estrogen, reducing premenstrual nervousness. Found in lean meats, whole grains, and leafy greens.
- Vitamin B6 may help with premenstrual bloating. Found in chicken, turkey, some fish, peanuts, soybeans, wheat germ, oats, and bananas.
- Vitamin E is a mild prostaglandin inhibitor (like aspirin without side effects), improving circulation and reducing uterine pain and spasm by reducing oxygen need. Found in yeast and wheat germ.
- Iron prevents depletion of iron stores.
- Calcium is helpful with symptoms and found in yogurt and cheese.
Exercise
- Daily exercise is helpful in relieving cramps and constipation.
- Deep breathing increases oxygen to the uterus to enhance relaxation.
- Aerobic activities alleviate irritability and tension.
Heat and Massage
- Warm applications (heat packs, etc.) manage painful periods.
- Massage promotes relaxation, and improves blood flow.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of the menstrual cycle, including its definition, facts, symptoms, and the hormonal control governing it. Learn about key terms such as menarche and the average cycle intervals, as well as common experiences during menstruation.
