MENSTRUATION, MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, TETRAGONIC EFFECTS OF DRUGS

menstrual cycle

is the monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy.

MENSTRUAL PHASE

During this phase, estrogen and progesterone levels are low, signaling the body to reset for the new cycle.

follicular phase

During this phase, estrogen and progesterone levels are low, signaling the body to reset for the new cycle.

Ovulation

typically occurs around day 14, characterized by a surge in LH triggered by rising estrogen levels.

Luteal phase

This phase lasts from ovulation (around day 14) to the start of menstruation (day 28), lasting about 14 days.

Estrogen

Levels rise during the follicular phase, helping to build the uterine lining, and then peak before ovulation.

Progesterone

Secreted during the luteal phase, maintains the lining for potential implantation, but decreases if pregnancy does not occur.

FSH & LH 

These hormones play crucial roles in regulating the follicular development and triggering ovulation, respectively.

Dysmenorrhea

refers to painful menstrual cramps that can occur before or during menstruation. It affects many women and can be severe enough to limit daily activities and require medical attention.

Amenorrhea

is the absence of menstruation for three or more consecutive cycles. It can be caused by various factors including pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, or excessive exercise, and may indicate underlying health issues.

Menorrhagia

is characterized by unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Women with this condition may experience fatigue and anemia, leading to a need for medical evaluation to determine the underlying causes.

Oligomenorrhea

is a medical condition characterized by infrequent menstrual periods, typically with more than 35 days between cycles, but still occurring less than the normal frequency of six to eight periods a year.

Metrorrhagia

is abnormal bleeding between regular menstrual periods. 

Polymenorrhea

is a menstrual disorder where a person experiences menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days, resulting in more frequent periods.

Hypomenorrhea

is the term for abnormally low bleeding, substantially less than 30 ml per menstrual cycle

Hypermenorrhea

refers to excessive bleeding, over 90 ml, in a cycle of normal duration.

Fertilization

marks the crucial union of sperm and egg, initiating the course of pregnancy.

sperm journey, egg encounter, fusion of gametes, preventing polyspermy

FERTILIZATION PROCESS

zygote formation, blastocyst formation, implantation

EARLY DEVELOPMENT STAGES

gastrulation, organogenesis, neural development, cardiovascular system

EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT

First Trimester Changes

Significant growth in the embryo, transitioning to a fetus. By the end, all essential organs are in place, and limbs develop distinct features.

Second Trimester Growth

Rapid growth and development occur. Fine hair, fingernails, and distinct facial features develop, making the fetus recognizable as a human being.

Third Trimester Preparation

Focus on maturation of organ systems and fat deposits increase, preparing for survival outside the womb with critical lung and brain development.

Teratogenesis

refers to the process by which congenital abnormalities are produced in an embryo or fetus.

Thalidomide

Once prescribed for morning sickness, caused severe limb defects. Its infamous history highlights the importance of drug safety during pregnancy.

Isotretinoin

Used to treat severe acne, isotretinoin poses significant risks of birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Awareness and strict regulations are necessary to prevent fetal exposure.

Antiepileptic Medications

Drugs such as valproate and phenytoin can lead to cognitive and physical abnormalities. Regular monitoring and alternative treatments are critical for pregnant women with epilepsy.