22-23 - Hormones and The Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
What does FSH do?
Causes the egg to mature in the ovary
Stimulates the ovaries to release oestrogen
Where does oestrogen come from?
The ovaries
What does oestrogen do?
Stops the production of FSH so that only one egg is matured in a cycle
Stimulates the pituitary gland so that LH is produced
Where does LH come from?
The pituitary gland
What does LH do?
Causes the mature egg to be released from the ovary
What does FSH stand for?
Follicle stimulating hormone
What does LH stand for?
Lutenising hormone
Approximately when is the egg released in the cycle?
Day 14
When is oestrogen at its peak during an average 28 day cycle?
Around day 12
When is the womb lining shed?
Days 1 to 5
Which hormone causes the egg to mature?
FSH
Which hormone is released around day 5?
Oestrogen
How does FSH get to the ovaries?
Through blood
Which hormones are usually in the contraceptive pill?
Oestrogen or progesterone
On which day is LH released?
Day 14
What does progesterone do?
Maintains the uterus lining during the middle of the cycle and pregnancy
Where does FSH come from?
The pituitary gland
What are hormones?
Chemical messages carried in blood plasma which activate target cells
Where do hormones come from?
Glands
What are the differences between nerves and hormones?
Nerves are faster, more short term, and more precisely targeted
Describe the four stages of the menstrual cycle
Day 1 - bleeding
Day 4 - lining rebuilds
Day 14 - egg release
Day 28 - bleeding if egg not fertilised
Which hormone can prevent the release of an egg?
Oestrogen
How can progesterone control fertility?
Maintain thick mucus to prevent sperm from passing through to egg
Benefits of the contraceptive pill
Over 99% effective st preventing pregnancy
Prevents some cancers
Risks of contraceptive pill
Not 100% effective
May cause headaches, nausea, blood clots
Doesn’t protect against STDs
Which hormones may be used to increase fertility?
FSH and LH
What happens if FSH levels are low?
No eggs are released
What are the drawbacks of using hormone injections to increase fertility?
Expensive
Multiple pregnancies
May have an adverse reaction
