1. MENSTRUAL CYCLE Occurs APPROXIMATELY every 28 days
Divided into 4 stages
1. FOLLICLE STAGE
– FSH from pituitary stimulates follicle with ovum to mature  follicle (ovary) releases estrogen

2. What is estrogen’s functionin the menstrual cycle??
prepares uterine lining for an embryo by:
1. Makes the uterine walls thick with
mucus
2. creates a blood supply for the
uterus/placenta
lasts approximately 10 days

3. MENSTRUAL CYCLE 2. OVULATION STAGE– ***estrogen levels are rising
***Pituitary stops FSH production
**LH is released to cause ovulation
causing the follicle to rupture
and mature ovum is released
-usually occurs between days after last period

4. MENSTRUAL CYCLE 3.CORPUS LUTEUM STAGE
– after ovulation, the follicle becomes the Corpus luteum and secretes progesterone
***If ovum is fertilized, corpus luteum continues secrete progesterone
Progesterone:
--prevents further ovulation
--maintains uterine lining
--this stage lasts approximately 14 days

5. MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The continued release of progesterone also inhibits FSH….
No more eggs are produced
How many days are we into the cycle at this point????
24-28 days
So what comes next?????

6. MENSTRUAL CYCLE 4. MENSTRUATION STAGE
--if the implantation of the embryo occurs, corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone
-- the continuing rise of progesterone inhibits LH production
This is due to “pregnancy”

7. MENSTRUATION CYCLE IF no embryo is implanted: Corpus luteum dissolves
Progesterone and estrogen levels begin to decrease
Uterine lining breaks down and is discharged
“PERIOD”
This stage lasts about 3-6 days

8. MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The decrease in hormones causes FSH to be released by the pituitary and the whole process begins again!!!!!!

9. MENOPAUSE Monthly menstrual cycle comes to an end “change of life”
Approximately age 50
Symptoms include:
hot flashes
dizziness and headaches
emotional changes
Symptoms are due to fluctuations in hormones

10. Why is hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) so important?????
MENOPAUSE
Early or artificial menopause can be induced by removal of the ovaries
Why is hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) so important?????
Cardiovascular protection
Osteoporosis protection

11. PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME
Caused by fluctuation of hormones and water retention
Water retention causes brain irritation which cause:
-irritability
-mood swings
-bloated feeling
-cramping/backache