Hormones Flashcards
What happens in the menstrual cycle? What are the steps?
Every 28 days a mature egg is released. If the egg is not fertilised around 14 days later the lining of the uterus is shed along with the egg. This is known as the monthly period and takes place at 28 day intervals. Several hormones are involved in controlling the cycle. The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the eggs in the ovaries to mature and the luteinising hormone stimulates the release of egg at ovulation.
Oestrogen and progesterone stimulate the build up of the uterus lining.
What is female fertility?
The ovaries of a baby girl contain all the eggs she will have in her lifetime. After puberty, eggs mature for an average of 35 to 40 years except for during pregnancy. Eventually the supply of eggs runs out and the woman goes through the menopause where she can no longer have children.
What is testosterone and puberty in males?
The male reproductive hormone is known as testosterone. As levels of testosterone rise, this triggers changes in the male and boys will go into puberty between the ages of 9 and 15. The changes include a growth spurt, pubic hair, underarm hair and facial hair growth. The larynx gets bigger and the voice breaks. The testes grow and become active producing sperm throughout life. Muscles develop and the shoulders broaden.
What is contraception? Name different types?
Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy. The contraceptive pill can be used to prevent this. The pill uses female hormones to prevent prevent pregnancy. The hormones inhibit the production of FSH affecting the ovaries so no eggs can mature.
A contraceptive implant can also be used and this involves a tiny tube inserted under your skin to slowly release progesterone. There are also patches absorbed directly into the blood stream.
What is oestrogen and puberty in females?
Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries. Rising oestrogen levels trigger puberty which takes place between the ages of 8 and 14 years. The main changes include a growth spurt, hair under the arms and pubic hair. The breasts develop and fat is deposited on the hips, buttocks and thighs and the brain changes and matures. Mature eggs start to form every month in the ovaries and the menstrual cycle begins.
