Fertility Cycle Flashcards
Fertility/Menstrual Cycle
The cycle of physiological preparations for a possible pregnancy.
Production of Oocytes
new oocytes needed after previous one degenerates
Conservation of Energy
the endometrium requires a lot of energy to maintain.
Protection against pathogens
Shedding of uterine lining, and cervical mucus protect against pathogens.
Other effects of Fertility Cycle
short term partner preference changes, long term does not.
Fluctuations in attraction to partner
Stronger preferences for symmetrical male scents at mid-cycle.
Average cycle length
28 days. Varies between cycles and women, stress can lengthen cycle. Most cycles are not 28 days.
preovulatory phase
menstruation to ovulation. Ovulation cannot be predicted from menstruation.
post-ovulatory phase
ovulation to beginning of menstruation. relatively constant. Menstruation can be predicted based on ovulation.
Menstrual Phase
1st phase, bleeding indicates day 1. Surface layer of endometrium is lost. Deep layer remains.
Menarche
the start of menstruation. Occurs earlier than previous centuries because of better nutrition.
Menopause
the end of menstruation. Due to lack of follicles, which cause estrogen decrease.
Proliferative phase
2nd phase of fertility cycle. FSH, Estrogen, LH levels increase.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
peaks shortly before ovulation. Stimulates follicle development.
Estrogen (Fertility Cycle)
produced by cells of mature follicle. Increases sensitivity to progesterone. Thickens endometrium to aid implantation. Promotes cilia growth in uterine tube. Creates E mucus.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) Surge
Peak in LH that causes ovulation
Corpus luteum
follicle cells left in ovary after ovulation. Produces estrogen and progesterone.
Secretory Phase
last phase in fertility cycle. Ovulation occurs. Corpus luteum is created. Progesterone rises.
Progesterone (Fertility Cycle)
thickens cervical mucus, promotes nutrient secretion in uterine tubes. Prevents new follicle development by blocking FSH and LH. Increases body temperature
Pregnancy
not a phase of fertility cycle. Interrupts fertility cycle, new hormone patterns develop.
HCG
produced by placenta. Maintains corpus luteum to produce estrogen/progesterone to prevent menstruation and maintain endometrium.
Estrogens (Pregnancy)
produced by placenta. rises throughout pregnancy. Increase muscle tissue to push baby out. Allows uterus to grow as baby grows.
Progesterone (Pregnancy)
Produced by placenta. Rises throughout pregnancy. Prevents uterine contractions to prevent premature birth and maintain pregnancy.
