Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Cycle

• The menstrual cycle is a complex process controlled by hormones that prepares the female body for a potential pregnancy every month.
• The average cycle length is 28 days, but can vary from 21 to 35 days.
• The cycle consists of three phases:
  1. Menstruation ( Days 1-5): Shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in bleeding.
  2. Follicular phase (Days 1-14): Estrogen levels rise, causing follicles in the ovaries to mature and prepare for ovulation.
  3. Luteal phase (Days 15-28): Progesterone levels rise, preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Reproductive Anatomy

• Ovaries: Produce eggs (oocytes) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
  • Located on either side of the uterus, connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes.
• Fallopian tubes: Muscular tubes that allow the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus.
  • Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.
• Uterus: A muscular, hollow organ that supports fetal development during pregnancy.
  • Divided into three layers: endometrium (inner lining), myometrium (middle layer), and perimetrium (outer layer).
• Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Vagina: A muscular, elastic tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Vulva: The external female genital area, including the labia, clitoris, and opening of the vagina.
• Breasts: Produce milk for lactation, controlled by hormones.
  • Composed of glandular, fatty, and connective tissue.

Menstrual Cycle

• The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones and prepares the female body for potential pregnancy every month.
• The average cycle length is 28 days, but can vary from 21 to 35 days.
• The cycle consists of three phases: menstruation, follicular phase, and luteal phase.

Menstruation

• Occurs on days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle.
• Characterized by shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in bleeding.

Follicular Phase

• Occurs on days 1-14 of the menstrual cycle.
• Estrogen levels rise, causing follicles in the ovaries to mature and prepare for ovulation.

Luteal Phase

• Occurs on days 15-28 of the menstrual cycle.
• Progesterone levels rise, preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Reproductive Anatomy

• Ovaries:
  • Produce eggs (oocytes) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
  • Located on either side of the uterus, connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes.
• Fallopian tubes:
  • Muscular tubes that allow the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus.
  • Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.
• Uterus:
  • A muscular, hollow organ that supports fetal development during pregnancy.
  • Divided into three layers: endometrium (inner lining), myometrium (middle layer), and perimetrium (outer layer).
• Cervix:
  • The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Vagina:
  • A muscular, elastic tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Vulva:
  • The external female genital area, including the labia, clitoris, and opening of the vagina.
• Breasts:
  • Produce milk for lactation, controlled by hormones.
  • Composed of glandular, fatty, and connective tissue.