PDH - Female Reproductive System

Menstrual Cycle

1. menstruation
2. follicular phase
3. ovulation
4. luteal phase

• “menstrual cycle” is the time from 1 period to another
• occurs monthly
• average cycle is 28 days
• can get it between 8-16 years

Different Phases

Menstruation (1)

• day 1- 8
• aka period
• uterus sheds its lining
• 40mL of blood
• occurs for 5-7 days
• blood and other tissue leave the body
• ALL hormones are LOW

Follicular Phase

• day 1-14
• 1st part of cycle
• pituitary gland in brain releases a hormone
• this stimulates the production of follicles
• usually only one follicle will mature into an egg
• FSH and LH involved

Ovulation (3)

• day 14
• ovary releases egg
• where egg drops
• FSH, oestrogen and LH (luteinizing hormone)

Luteal Phase (4)

• day 15-28
• 2nd part of cycle
• where the uterus prepares for pregnancy
• thickening of the uterine lining
• Progesterone and oestrogen
• 

PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)

Not all girls have PMS. It usually starts a week before your period and goes away after the first couple of days of bleeding. Some symptoms:

• bloating
• breasts swollen and sore
• muscle pain
• moody
• crying
• tired, weak
• hungry, cravings
• mixed up thinking
• stomach ache
• pimples
• diarrhea and constipation

Definitions

Uterus: part inside body where baby grows

Inner lining of the uterus: supports and nourishes baby. if there is no baby, it sheds during a period

Vagina: blood and other tissue leave the body through the vagina

Ovaries: 1 on each side, holds eggs (female sex organs) - produce estrogen and progesterone

Fallopian tubes: lead from each ovary to the uterus

Vulva: outer part, two bumps

Mons pubis: fleshy area located above the top of the vaginal opening

Labia: two pairs of skin flaps

Clitoris: small sensory organ, in between the labia

Urethra: the tube that carries urine

Hymen: a very thin piece of skin like tissue

Menarche: girl’s first period

Egg names:

1. Ovum: female sex cell (aka egg)
2. Egg: released from ovaries, 1/10 the size of poppy seed, dissolves if not fertilized
3. Zygote: fertilised egg
4. Embryo: once fertilised egg splits and develops
5. Fetus: approx 9 weeks after fertilisation

Endometriosis:

• when cells similar to the uterus lining forms in other parts of the body
• cells react to the menstrual cycle and also bleed
• but there is no way for the blood to leave the body so it causes (see below)
• important that you find out as early as possible so it can be managed
• estimated that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis

Causes:

• inflammation
• severe pain
• heavy or irregular periods