1. HHD The Menstrual Cycle
Physical characteristics of youths’ development
(Part 2)
The Menstrual Cycle

2. The Menstrual Cycle Signifies a woman’s ability to bear children
Menarche usually occurs between years of age
On average, a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days
Involves a delicate interplay of hormones
Oestrogen, Progesterone, FSH and LH are all present during the menstrual cycle. However, the release of and contribution of these hormones occurs at different stages during the 28 day cycle.
The menstrual cycle explained

3. Day 1-7 Bleeding commences
Lining of uterus (endometrium) is discharged
Pituitary gland releases FSH which travels in bloodstream to the ovaries
FSH stimulates an ovum to start maturing in follicle
Follicles are small sacs that contain an immature ovum as it develops
Fallopian Tube

4. Day 7-12
As follicles begin to mature, oestrogen is released by the ovaries
Oestrogen travels to the uterus where it stimulates the growth of a new blood lining to prepare for possible pregnancy
Oestrogen
(blood lining)

5. Day 13-15
High Oestrogen levels cause the pituitary gland to switch from making FSH to LH, which stimulates ovulation
Oestrogen LH

6. Day 14. Ovulation
The LH hormone causes the follicle to burst, releasing an egg from an ovary into the fallopian tube.
This process is called ovulation
Peak fertility time
The empty follicle is now called the corpus luteum

7. Day 15-28 Ovum travels down fallopian tube and into uterus
Follicle keeps on making Oestrogen and Progesterone which causes the endometrium to continue to thicken in case conception occurs
If ovum is fertilised by sperm it implants into endometrium
Unfertilised egg dies
At end of cycle, hormone levels drop and next menstrual cycle beings on day 28
Progesterone
Ovum
Students to use info in this PPT and their textbooks to complete the ‘Menstrual Wheel’ activity.
Show table pg 32 of HHD blue book.
Endometrium continues to thicken
Follicle
Oestrogen