200,000 to 300,000 immature ova are
present in the ovaries at birth. Each
cycle allows for one egg to develop.
First Cycle – Menarche, on average, occurs
around the age of 12 years old.

Heredity, diet, overall health influence time.
Last Cycle – Menopause, on average, occurs
around the age of 52.
Cycle Length – 28 days is the average but
cycles may last between 21 – 36 days. Each
woman is different.
Menstrual Phase – days 1 – 7, when the menstrual
flow will occur.
Proliferative Phase – days 7 -21, when the egg is
present and fertilization and implantation may
occur.
Secretory Phase – days 21 – 28, when the wall breaks
down.
Secretory Phase
Day 21 - 28
Menstrual
Phase
Day 1-7
Proliferative Phase
Day 8- 20
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Source: Pituitary Gland

Causes the egg to begin to mature within the egg
follicle.
Estrogen
Source: Egg Follicle


Causes the endometrium to begin to thicken.
Inhibits FSH.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Source: Pituitary Gland



Causes final egg development
Causes ovulation
Converts egg follicle into Corpus Luteum/Corpus
Albicans
Progesterone
Source: Corpus Luteum


Maintains thickness of the endometrium
Inhibits FSH
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone
(HcG)
Source: Zygote

Stimulates the corpus to grow maintaining
progesterone levels.
Amenorrhea
Lack of menstruation or the stopping of menstrual
cycles.


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Physical defects in female sex organs
Diseases such as diabetes, tumors, infections.
More common – physical activity, emotional distress,
eating disorders
Dysmenorrhea
Painful contractions in the uterus during
menstruation.
Lasting several hours to a day or two. Not
uncommon.
Severe or persistent cramping – seek medical
attention.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Symptoms occur before menstrual periods a few
days to two weeks.
Many females never experience symptoms.
Tension, anxiety, irritability, bloating, weight gain,
depression, mood swings, fatigue.
Treatment includes change in diet, exercise, and,
in more serious cases, medication.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) – rare disease
Caused by a bacteria that produces toxins
(poisons) that affect the immune system and
the liver.
Symptoms: high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, low
blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and a rash.
Treatable in most cases with antibiotics.