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