WORKSHEET: THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE 1. Plan the menstrual cycle bracelet by coloring the beads in the drawing below: 27 28 1 2 3 26 4 25 5 24 6 23 7 22 8 21 9 20 10 19 11 18 12 17 16 13 15 14 2. If you make a bracelet, string the beads according to your coloring. 3. Fasten or knot the bracelet securely. Module Healthy Body, Activity 6: Menstrual cycle 1 WORKSHEET MENSTRUAL CYCLE You can use this figure and the information on the next sheet as a guide when coloring the menstrual cycle bracelet. 27 28 1 2 3 26 4 25 1. Menstruation 5 24 6 23 7 22 4. Luteal phase 2. Follicular phase 8 21 9 20 10 19 3. Ovulation 11 18 12 17 16 13 15 Module Healthy Body, Activity 6: Menstrual cycle 14 2 WORKSHEET MENSTRUAL CYCLE The menstrual cycle is sequence of events that prepares the female body for pregnancy. It has four phases. 1. Menstruation: During the menstrual phase, the lining of the uterus breaks down and is shed with some blood trough the vagina. Menstrual bleeding usually lasts 5-7 days (red beads) 2. Follicular phase: This is the time between the end of menstruation and ovulation. During this phase estrogen levels rise and the uterus starts thickening its lining and preparing for pregnancy. This phase lasts 6-7 days (white or light beads) 3. Ovulation: When ovulation occurs the egg is released from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes. After the egg is released the uterine lining thickens even more in order to receive the egg. Ovulation occurs usually between the 12th and 14th day of the cycle (yellow beads) 4. Luteal phase: If the egg is not fertilized, and there is no pregnancy, the thickened lining of the uterus breaks down and is shed, and a cycle begins again. This usually lasts 12-14 days (dark beads) Module Healthy Body, Activity 6: Menstrual cycle 3