1. List three discomforts that may accompany menstruation.

2. The Menstrual Cycle  During the menstrual cycle, an ovary releases a mature egg.  The egg travels to the uterus.  If the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins.

3. Factors Affecting the Menstrual cycle  On average, a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days.  Cycles as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days can be normal for some individuals.  Factors such as diet, stress, exercise, and weight gain or loss all affect the menstrual cycle.

4. Factors Affecting the Menstrual cycle  Except during pregnancy, menstrual cycles occur each month from puberty until about the age of 45 to 55.  At this point in life, called menopause, the ovaries slow down their hormone production and no longer release mature eggs.  Gradually the menstrual cycle stops and the woman is no longer able to become pregnant.

5. Stages of the Menstrual Cycle  Pg. 472 Figure 8

6. Menstrual Discomfort  Abdominal cramps  Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is marked by nervous tension, mood swings, headaches, bloating, and irritability.  This is generally caused by the dramatic change in hormone levels.  Reducing salt, sugar, and caffeine intake and getting regular exercise will help reduce the effects of PMS.

7. Toxic Shock Syndrome  A rare but serious medical condition associated with tampon use is toxic shock syndrome.  Caused by a bacterial infection  Symptoms include sudden high fever, a rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.  To decrease the risk of this syndrome, women should use tampons with the lowest possible absorbency for their needs and change tampons often.