MENSTRUAL

CYLE
Group Members: Tyla
Thomas,Jhanna Golaub and
Newtrice Harris
 Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a natural biological process that
occurs in females of reproductive age, preparing the body
for potential pregnancy. It is regulated by hormones and
involves changes in the ovaries and uterus. The cycle plays a
crucial role in human reproduction by controlling ovulation,
where an egg is released, and preparing the uterine lining for
implantation. If fertilization does not occur, the lining sheds,
leading to menstruation.

A typical cycle lasts around 28 days but can vary between 21

to 35 days among individuals. It consists of four phases: the
menstrual phase, where the uterine lining is shed; the follicular
phase, which involves egg development and estrogen
production; ovulation, when the egg is released; and the luteal
phase, where the body prepares for pregnancy. Factors such
as stress, diet, and hormonal imbalances can affect cycle
regularity.
 Phases of the
menstrual cycle
1. Menstrual Phase ( Days1-5) 2. Follicular Phase(Days 1-13)
The menstrual phase marks the beginning of the The follicular phase begins on the first day of
cycle and occurs when the uterine lining menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this
phase, the pituitary gland releases follicle-
(endometrium) sheds, resulting in menstrual
stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating the ovaries
bleeding.
to develop follicles. Each follicle contains an
This happens if fertilization has not occurred, immature egg, but usually, only one matures fully.
leading to a drop in estrogen and progesterone As the follicles grow, they release estrogen, which
levels. The shedding of the endometrial lining is helps rebuild the uterine lining in preparation for
expelled through the vagina, and this phase possible pregnancy.
typically lasts 3 to 7 days.
 Phases of the
menstrual cycle
3. Ovulation 4. Luteal Phase(Days 15-28)
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into
ovary, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to
(LH). maintain the thickened uterine lining for a potential
This phase usually occurs around the middle of the pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus
cycle. The egg travels through the fallopian tube, luteum breaks down, causing progesterone and
where it may be fertilized by sperm. Ovulation is the estrogen levels to drop, which signals the start of
most fertile period of the cycle, and it lasts for about menstruation. This phase lasts about 14 days and
24 hours, after which the egg disintegrates if not prepares the body to either support a pregnancy or
fertilized. begin a new cycle.
Importance of
Hormonal Regulation in
the Menstrual Cycle
Hormonal regulation is essential for controlling each phase of
the menstrual cycle, ensuring proper reproductive function.
The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries work together
to release hormones that regulate ovulation and the
preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH) stimulates follicle growth, while luteinizing
hormone (LH) triggers ovulation. Estrogen and progesterone,
produced by the ovaries, help thicken the uterine lining and
maintain the cycle. If fertilization does not occur, hormone
levels drop, leading to menstruation and the start of a new
cycle. This precise coordination is crucial for fertility and
overall reproductive health.
 Key Hormones in the Menstrual
Cycle

Luteinizing Hormone (LH):

Also produced by the
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Released
by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the pituitary gland, LH triggers
growth and development of ovarian follicles, ovulation, the release of a
each containing an immature egg. It also mature egg from the ovary. It
promotes the production of estrogen by the
follicles.
also stimulates the formation
of the corpus luteum, which
produces progesterone.
 Key Hormones in the Menstrual
Cycle

1. Estrogen: Produced mainly by the Progesterone: Secreted by the corpus

developing follicles, estrogen helps luteum after ovulation, progesterone
rebuild and thicken the uterine lining maintains the thickened uterine lining,
(endometrium) after menstruation. It making it suitable for implantation of a
also regulates FSH and LH levels fertilized egg. If fertilization does not
through a feedback mechanism to occur, progesterone levels drop, leading
ensure proper cycle progression. to menstruation.
 Graafian Follicles in
the Menstrual Cycle
A Graafian follicle is a mature, fluid-filled sac
within the ovary that contains an egg (ovum) and
is the key structure involved in ovulation during
the menstrual cycle; when fully developed, it
ruptures and releases the egg, marking the
middle phase of the cycle, and then transforms
into the corpus luteum which secretes
progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for
potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
 Graafian Follicles in
the Menstrual Cycle
Follicular Phase
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) stimulates the
growth of ovarian follicles.
Among the developing follicles, one dominant follicle
matures into the Graafian follicle.

The Graafian follicle produces estrogen, which:

Stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining
(endometrium).
Triggers a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) around Day
14.
Graafian Follicles in
the Menstrual Cycle
Ovulation
The LH surge causes the Graafian follicle to rupture,
releasing a mature egg (oocyte) into the fallopian
tube.

This egg can now be fertilized by sperm.

Graafian Follicles in
the Menstrual Cycle
Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the ruptured Graafian
follicle transforms into the corpus
luteum, which secretes progesterone.

Progesterone maintains the uterine lining for a

possible pregnancy.
If fertilization does not occur, the corpus
luteum degenerates, leading to menstruation.
 Pregnancy
If sexual intercourse occurs shortly before or
after ovulation, the egg can be fertilised in the
oviduct. The fertilised egg begins to divide in the
oviduct to form a ball of cells (embryo then
blastocyst). The blastocyst travels to the uterus
and implants in the endometrium.
If fertilisation occurs, the corpus luteum enlarges and
continues to make progesterone.
The lining of the uterus thickens more and its blood
increases. Progesterone level therefore remains high.
Progesterone also causes the breasts to enlarge. These
are called 'pregnancy changes' and progesterone is
called the 'pregnancy hormone'. The placenta later
takes over the production of progesterone. The
menstrual cycle is suspended during pregnancy.
Video
 Evaluation
28 days on
The menstrual cycle usually lasts about________
average.

The phase when the uterine lining is shed is called

Menstrual
the_______________________phase.

The structure that forms after ovulation and

secretes progesterone is
Corpus Luteum
the____________________________
 Evaluation
The hormone that helps thicken the uterine lining
Estrogen
is____________________

The hormone responsible for triggering ovulation

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
is___________________________

If fertilization does not occur, the levels of

Progesterone
______________________ hormone drop, leading to
menstruation.
Evaluation

D
B
C
C
A
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YOU VERY
MUCH!