Female Reproductive Cycle

Ovarian cycle

A monthly series of events in the ovary associated with the maturation of a secondary oocyte.

Uterine menstrual cycle

A series of changes in the endometrium of a nonpregnant female that prepares the lining of the uterus to receive a fertilized ovum. Also called the menstrual cycle.

Which hormone controls the reproductive cycle

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the release of

Follicle - stimulating hormone FSH and luteinizing hormone (lh)

Luteinizing hormone

stimulates the further development of follicles and their full secretion of estrogens.

At midcycle, ____ triggers ovulation and then promotes formation of the corpus luteum (the reason for the name luteinizing hormone).

What are the phases of the menstrual cycle cycle

Follicular phase:
Ovulation:
Luteal phase:

(uterine menstrual cycle) shedding of endometrium
Menstrual phase:
Proliferative phase:
Secretory phase: .

Follicular phase days (1-13)

• Begins on the first day of menstruation.

• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) stimulates several ovarian follicles to develop.

• One follicle usually becomes dominant and matures.

• Growing follicles secrete increasing amounts of estrogen.

• Estrogen promotes repair and growth of the uterine lining.

Ovulation (day 14)

• High estrogen levels trigger a surge of LH (luteinizing hormone).

• The LH surge causes the mature follicle to rupture.

• A secondary oocyte is released from the ovary.

• This is the most fertile period of the cycle.

luteal phase (15-28)

• The ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum

• The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and some estrogen.

• Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

• If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus albicans.

Menstrual phase

Endometrium sheds

Proliferative phase

Estrogen rebuilds endometrium

Secretary phase

Progesterone prepares uterus for implantation