Be able to tell the ovarian, uterine and hormonal changes which occur during each stage of the menstrual cycle.
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http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch241/ch241e.html
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Sure! To understand the ovarian, uterine, and hormonal changes that occur during each stage of the menstrual cycle, it is important to know the different stages of the cycle.
The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, and the luteal phase.
1. Menstrual Phase: This phase marks the beginning of the cycle and typically lasts for 3-7 days. During this time, the uterine lining that built up in the previous cycle is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding. Hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, are usually low during this phase.
2. Follicular Phase: The follicular phase starts right after menstruation and can last about 7-21 days. During this phase, the pituitary gland releases a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the development of follicles in the ovaries. These follicles produce estrogen, which helps thicken the uterine lining. As the follicles mature, one becomes dominant while the others degenerate.
3. Ovulatory Phase: The ovulatory phase typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but can vary. This phase is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release an egg (ovulation). Estrogen levels are high during this phase. The released egg then travels through the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
4. Luteal Phase: The luteal phase follows ovulation and usually lasts about 10-16 days. After the egg is released, the ruptured follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which prepares the uterus for possible implantation of a fertilized egg. Progesterone also helps maintain the thickness of the uterine lining. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates near the end of the luteal phase, leading to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. This drop in hormone levels triggers menstruation, starting a new menstrual cycle.
To learn more about specific values and measurements for these changes, including hormone levels and follicle development, it would be best to consult scientific literature or medical resources. Additionally, it is important to note that individual variations can occur in the length and characteristics of the menstrual cycle.