Reproductive Health and Menstruation

Vocabulary terms covering the menstrual cycle, hormonal regulation, conception, and sexually transmitted infections.

Menstruation (Menses)

The process of preparing the lining of the uterus for an embryo to implant.

Menarche

The first reproductive cycle, which requires about $17\%$ body fat and occurs at an average age of about $11.25$ years old.

Evolutionary Advantage of Menstruation

The ability to eliminate infectious agents carried to the uterus.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone that is released from the hypothalamus and stimulates the pituitary gland.

FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of an egg follicle.

Estrogen

A hormone produced as the follicle increases that stimulates secondary sex characteristics.

LH (Luteinizing hormone)

A hormone that stimulates ovarian cells; its peak marks the end of the follicular phase.

Progesterone

A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that promotes the growth of glands and blood vessels in the uterine walls and stops ovulation.

Follicular phase

The phase that begins on day $1$ of the cycle and ends when LH peaks and ovulation occurs.

Ovulation

The event on day $14$ of the cycle where a secondary oocyte ruptures out of the ovaries, often accompanied by a slight body temperature raise.

Luteal phase

The phase that starts at ovulation and ends the day before the next period.

Endometrium

Referring to when the uterus thickens during the reproductive cycle.

Menstrual Bleeding Volume

The average loss is $30$ to $60\,ml$, while heavy flow is considered $40$ to $80\,ml$.

Conception

The event where the egg and sperm unite to create a zygote.

Historical Contraception in China

A practice where individuals would drink lead and mercury.

STIs

Primary infections of which there are $30$ different kinds; one in four sexually active teens will contract one.

STDs

Long term infections resulting from sexually transmitted sources.

Bacterial Diseases

A category of infections including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Pubic lice

An infection categorized under arthropods.

Trichomoniasis

An infection categorized under protista.