WALT ; Describe how the menstrual cycle works All can identify the 4 hormones involved. Most can describe how they regulate the menstrual cycle Some can explain how the negative feedback mechanism controls the menstrual cycle
Dec 24, 2015
WALT ; Describe how the menstrual cycle works
All can identify the 4 hormones involved.
Most can describe how they regulate the menstrual cycle
Some can explain how the negative feedback mechanism controls the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle?
Fertility
3 hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle: oestrogen, LH and FSH. Here’s how:
Step 3: LH stimulates the release of the mature egg in the middle of the menstrual cycle
Artificial fertility:
1) To INCREASE fertility FSH is given to stimulate maturation of eggs.
2) To DECREASE fertility oestrogen is given (“The Pill”) to inhibit FSH production stopping eggs from maturing.
Step 1: FSH produced by the pituitary gland causes both an egg to mature and the ovaries to start producing oestrogen
Step 2: The rising levels of oestrogen cause the pituitary gland to stop producing FSH and produce LH instead
Inside the ovaryWhat happens in the ovary during the menstrual cycle?
Day 1-13:egg developing inside the growing follicle
Day 14:ovulation – egg released from follicle
Day 15-28:empty follicle turns into corpus luteum (yellow body)
immature eggs
Uterus liningThe lining of the uterus becomes thicker with blood vessels and more stable during the menstrual cycle. Why is this important?
2 106 84 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
days after start of period
ute
rus
lin
ing
thic
knes
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period
A fertilized egg will bury itself (implant) in the uterus lining. The egg needs a plentiful supply of oxygen and nutrients to develop.
Hormone levels
PregnancyIf the egg is fertilized, the uterus lining must not break down otherwise the fertilized egg will not develop.
corpus luteum: continues to produceprogesterone and oestrogen
egg fertilized:uterus lining maintained, egg implanted
progesterone memoTo: uterusFrom: corpus luteumMaintain uterus lining.
oestrogen memoTo: pituitaryFrom: corpus luteum
Don’t send FSH.
How does the contraceptive pill work?
progesterone memoTo: pituitaryFrom: contraceptive pill
Stop sending FSH.
Contraceptive pills contain progesterone and need to be taken every day. How do they work?
no FSH received:no egg maturing
Contraceptive pills mimic pregnancy, which means that the ovaries do not produce any eggs.
Summary of fertility hormones