The Menstrual Cycle LO: Know the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle Describe artificial control of fertility

Write down a definition of what a hormone is Hormones Write down a definition of what a hormone is Hormones are chemical messengers in the blood. They help to regulate processes in the body.

Can you label the following diagram? Fallopian tube Pituitary gland Ovary Uterus

The female menstrual cycle Write down which hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle. From pituitary gland Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) – 1. Triggers egg ripening 2. Triggers oestrogen production Oestrogen – Suppresses production of FSH Stimulates production of LH From ovaries Luteinising hormone (LH) – Triggers release of an egg (ovulation) From pituitary gland

Review What is the function of the menstrual cycle? What hormones are produced in the pituitary gland? What hormones are produced by the ovaries? Why is oestrogen released during the cycle?

Artificial Birth Control During the last 50 years there have been technological advances which allow couples to control their own fertility.

Can you think why this is? Contraceptive Pill Contraceptive pills are used to stop women becoming pregnant. There are many different forms The most common Contraceptive pill contains the hormone Oestrogen Can you think why this is? The oral contraceptive pill usually contains Oestrogen because Oestrogen stops the production of the hormone FSH. FSH is responsible for making eggs mature. If eggs can’t mature than a woman can not get pregnant.

Can you think what hormone these women are given and explain why? Fertility Drugs Female hormones can also be used to help women get pregnant Some women can’t get pregnant. The most common reason for that the eggs in their ovaries do not mature Can you think what hormone these women are given and explain why? They are usually given FSH. This is because FSH is the hormone which causes eggs to mature. The main reason a women can’t get pregnant is because she does not produce enough FSH of her own

IVF IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is used to help couples have a baby. Eggs are removed from the ovaries and they are fertilised with sperm outside of the body. The fertilised eggs are implanted in the womb to develop naturally. To ensure there are lots of mature eggs, the woman will usually be given fertility drugs too.

Review 1. Which hormone dooes the contraceptive pill contain? Why? 2. What hormones do fertility drugs contain? Why? 3. Describe the stages in IVF treatment. List three different reasons that a couple may require this treatment.

Homework The first oral contraceptives contained large amounts of oestrogen that resulted in many side effects in women who were taking them. Research the development of oral contraceptives, including information on the side effects and what oral contraceptives now contain.