Hormones of the Menstrual Cycle

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the hormones of the menstrual cycle, implantation, and reproductive methods.

Follicular Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle occurring during days 1-14 where follicles in the ovaries grow and mature.

Ovulation

The release of a secondary oocyte from the ruptured follicle, occurring around Day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Luteal Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle from days 15-28, marked by the formation of the corpus luteum from the ruptured follicle.

Corpus Luteum

A hormone-secreting structure formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation.

Endometrial Cycle

The cyclical changes in the uterine lining that correspond with the ovarian cycle.

Menstruation

The shedding of the endometrium that occurs during days 1-14 of the cycle.

Proliferative Phase

The phase where the endometrial lining grows following menstruation, occurring during days 1-14.

Secretory Phase

The phase from days 15-28 where secretions build up in the endometrial lining.

GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that triggers the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone released by the pituitary that stimulates ovarian follicles to grow and mature.

LH (Lutenizing Hormone)

Hormone that surges mid-cycle to trigger ovulation.

Trophoblast

The surface layer of cells in the blastocyst that later forms the placenta during implantation.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

The body temperature measured after waking, which rises during ovulation.

Natural Family Planning

A non-barrier, non-hormonal contraceptive method approved by the church based on monitoring the menstrual cycle.

Copper IUD

A form of birth control that releases copper ions, toxic to sperm, providing a barrier to fertilization.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, occurring in gametes.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed when sperm and egg nuclei fuse.