Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of menstruation in the female reproductive cycle?
Which hormone triggers ovulation and releases an egg from the ovary?
What is the typical duration of bleeding during menstruation?
Which phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by low hormone levels?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the absence of menstruation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which hormone prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for frequent menstruation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary cause of breast tenderness during the menstrual cycle?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Menstruation
Definition
- Menstruation, also known as menses, is the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in females, which occurs approximately every 28 days.
- It is a natural part of the female reproductive cycle, preparing the body for a potential pregnancy.
Phases of Menstruation
-
Menstruation (Days 1-5)
- The uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding.
- Hormone levels are low.
-
Follicular Phase (Days 1-14)
- The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating follicle growth in the ovaries.
- Estrogen levels increase, causing the uterine lining to thicken.
-
Ovulation (Day 14)
- A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation, releasing an egg from the ovary.
- Estrogen and testosterone levels peak.
-
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)
- The empty follicle in the ovary produces progesterone, preparing the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Hormone levels decrease if pregnancy does not occur, leading to menstruation.
Hormonal Regulation
- Estrogen: stimulates uterine lining growth and thickening.
- Progesterone: prepares the uterine lining for implantation and maintains pregnancy.
- FSH and LH: regulate follicle growth and ovulation.
Physiological Changes
- Bleeding: shedding of the uterine lining, lasting 3-7 days.
- Cramping: uterine contractions, often accompanied by back and leg pain.
- Breast Tenderness: hormone fluctuations cause breast swelling and tenderness.
- Mood Changes: emotional fluctuations due to hormonal shifts.
Menstrual Cycle Irregularities
- Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation.
- Dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation.
- Polymenorrhea: frequent menstruation.
- Oligomenorrhea: infrequent menstruation.
Menstruation
Definition
- Menstruation, also known as menses, is the natural shedding of the uterus lining, occurring every 28 days, preparing the body for potential pregnancy.
Phases of Menstruation
- Menstruation phase (Days 1-5): uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding, with low hormone levels.
- Follicular phase (Days 1-14): pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone, stimulating follicle growth in ovaries, increasing estrogen levels, and thickening the uterine lining.
- Ovulation phase (Day 14): surge in luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation, releasing an egg from the ovary, with estrogen and testosterone levels peaking.
- Luteal phase (Days 15-28): empty follicle produces progesterone, preparing the uterine lining for implantation, and hormone levels decrease if pregnancy does not occur.
Hormonal Regulation
- Estrogen stimulates uterine lining growth and thickening.
- Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation and maintains pregnancy.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) regulate follicle growth and ovulation.
Physiological Changes
- Bleeding lasts 3-7 days, resulting from the shedding of the uterine lining.
- Cramping occurs due to uterine contractions, often accompanied by back and leg pain.
- Breast tenderness occurs due to hormone fluctuations, causing breast swelling and tenderness.
- Mood changes occur due to emotional fluctuations caused by hormonal shifts.
Menstrual Cycle Irregularities
- Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.
- Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation.
- Polymenorrhea is frequent menstruation.
- Oligomenorrhea is infrequent menstruation.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the different phases of the female reproductive cycle, including menstruation, follicular phase, and more. Understand the hormones and processes involved in preparing the body for a potential pregnancy.
