LEARNING

OUTCOMES

To state what menstruation is,

To relate menstruation to the
menstrual cycle,
To state the importance of the
menstrual cycle,
To state the hormones involved in
the menstrual cycle

 Discharge of unfertilised ovum, uterus lining

(endometrium wall) and blood through
vagina.
The breakdown of the lining of the uterus
wall & its discharge through the vagina with
some blood, cells, tissue fluid & glandular
secretions.
Girls experience menstruation
when reach puberty.

 After menstruation, the

thickening of endometrium
begins again Menstrual cycle.
The first day of your menstrual
period is considered Day 1 of
your cycle.
1 cycle = 28 days

 To provide a favourable environment for the

development of zygote in the uterus.
Enables production of the female gamete
propagation of species.
Precisely coordinates & synchronises growth
of the endometrium & follicular development
ovulation occurs ovum is released.
Reduces the chances of development of a
defective zygote.

Hormones involved in the menstrual

cycle
Hormone involved in
menstrual cycle

Gonadotrophinreleasing hormone
(GnRH)
Follicle-stimulating
Hormone
Luteinising Hormone
(LH)
Oestrogen
Progesterone

Location of
secretes

Hypothalamus

Anterior
pituitary lobe
Anterior
pituitary lobe
Follicle cell
Corpus luteum

HORMONES
Folliclestimulating
hormone
(FSH)

FUNCTION
Stimulates the
development of egg
follicle in the ovary.

Stimulates the repairing

& thickening of
endometrium
Stimulates ovulation &
Luteinising
hormone (LH) the formation of corpus
luteum

Oestrogen

LEARNING
OUTCOMES

To relate hormonal levels to the

development of follicles, the
process of ovulation, & the
formation of the corpus luteum,
To relate hormonal levels to
changes in thickness of the
endometrium,
Explain the role of hormones in
regulating the menstrual cycle,

MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The typical menstruation cycle occurs

regurlarly over 28 days. It is
consist of 4 stages
1-5 (stage 1) menstruation
6-10(stage 2) Rebuilding the thickening of
the uterus lining
11-17(stage 3) Ovulation period. Release of
an ovum from the ovary.
18-28(stage 4) Continued thickening of the
uterus lining by increasing of blood and tissue.

The beginning.
Day 1-5 :
endometrium will be sloughed off
(menstruation)
One of the primary follicles develops

Day 6-14 :
The primary follicles becomes Graafian
follicle.
Graafian follicle releases its ovum
(secondary oocyte) around day 14
ovulation

In progress.
Day 15-28 :
The remains of the Graafian follicle
becomes a yellowish body corpus
luteum.
If no fertilisation : the corpus luteum
eventually degenerates & the whole
process is repeated.

The Role of
Hormones
The menstrual cycle is controlled by
hormones.

After menstruation, the pituitary

gland produces the folliclestimulating hormone (FSH)
stimulates the development of egg
follicle in the ovary.

 The developing egg follicles secrete

another hormone called oestrogen
stimulates the repairing & thickening of
endometrium.
Level of oestrogen rises, the endometrium
becomes thicker.
High level of oestrogen is detected by the
pituitary gland secretes the luteinising
hormone (LH) stimulates ovulation &
the formation of corpus luteum,

 Corpus luteum secretes progesterone

to maintain the thickening of the
endometrium.
If fertilisation does not occur, the
corpus luteum degenerates & the level
of progesterone falls the
endometrium disintegrates & is shed
as menstruation.

LEARNING
OUTCOMES

To state what premenstrual syndrome

(PMS) is,
To state the menopause is.

Premenstrual Syndrome
(PMS)
A few days before menstruation.
Caused by changes in the levels of oestrogen
& progesterone leads to accumulation of
salt & water in the body tissues causes
discomfort.
Emotional disturbances, nervousness,
irritability, headache, appetite changes &
depression.
Disappears soon after menstruation begins.

Menopause
The time in a womans life when the ovaries
cease to produce ova & menstruation stops
the woman is no longer able to bear any
children.
Between 45-55 years.
Her ovaries become less receptive to FSH &
LH & follicular development slows down the
level of oestrogen & progesterone fall as well.

 Causes the production of ova & the

thickening of endometrium decreased
menopause occurs gradually.

The menstrual cycle becomes longer

Menstruation occurs less frequently.
Eventually, it stops altogether.

Due to the low level of oestrogen, some

women who have undergone menopause
may suffer from some health & emotional
problems.

Headache, giddiness
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Frequent urination
Hot flushes & night sweat
Dry skin
Anxiety
Insomnia
Inflammation of the joints
Decreased concentration & memory
power

 Women who have undergone

menopause are at a higher risk of
contracting cancer of the uterus,
osteoporosis & heart diseases
medical check-up at least once a
year.
Hormone replacement therapy can
slow down the symptoms (pills @ skin
patches)